Trio Media Group Named to Bulldog 100: Fastest Growing UGA Businesses

Atlanta-based Trio Media Group (http://triomediagroup.com/), a full-service interactive, public relations and marketing firm, has been recognized by the University of Georgia’s Alumni Association as a member of the 2012 Bulldog 100, which honors the fastest growing businesses owned and/or operated by UGA alumnus. read full article

Social media trends for 2012

This year has flown by and many of us are wondering where the year has gone.  All of us have been busy tweeting, maintaining our LinkedIn status and connecting with others on Facebook.  We’ve spent more time discovering our favorite videos on YouTube while simultaneously checking into restaurants and venues via Foursquare.  2011 can be defined as a year of social media boom and mobile networking, keeping us connected more than ever before.  In fact, earlier this year Pew Internet released a study that shows more than 1/3 of American adults not only own a smartphone, but use it mainly as a data source.  This means many of us are interacting with businesses and social media platforms on the go.

All of this networking means we’re becoming accustomed to instant access and information.  This is great for consumers, but how does this impact businesses who want to remain cutting edge?   Here is our list of 4 important social media trends that will impact the way businesses connect with their customers:

• Social shopping or ‘f-commerce’- will begin to be an important addition to a company’s social media strategy.  Currently several companies are offering it, but in 2012 we’ll begin to see more growth of shopping via Facebook.  Burberry is one company that has begun to tap into social shopping.  This allows businesses to have a further reach when the purchase posts to a customer’s Facebook page or is instantly tweeted.
• Social TV is another big area of growth for 2012.  Consumers will be able to interact with fans in real time through a show’s Twitter #hashtag, smartphone and tablet apps, and even Facebook.   CBS show the Amazing Race used social media as a tool for communicating episode delays due to football & Fox’s the X Factor offers fans a smartphone app that allows them to engage while the showing is airing.
• Branded content will also play a bigger role in how consumers engage socially with companies.  Many businesses are already incorporating blogs and video into their online presences.  However, there will be a shift in 2012 where these are not just marketing tools but offer consumers a richer experience with your products.  Encouraging customer-created video that showcases your brand has been a success for companies like Red Bull. Small businesses can enjoy the benefits too.
• Location-based networking is another trend that is showing continued growth into 2012.  Offering a way for your customers to check into your Facebook page and receive an incentive to share their location helps a company obtain further reach.  One Atlanta company that has been successful with this concept is Yeah! Burger.  Fans who interact with their page know to check in and receive a discount or special offer.  Providing customers a way to check in with your restaurant, spa or boutique lets them share what they’re doing in real time, while also giving you the opportunity to listen to what your customers are saying about you.

Are you already incorporating any of these trends into your business?   Let us know by leaving a comment below.

Top Highlights from 2011

Websites on budget and Denise on CNN
Advertising campaigns and new Facebook friends
Video production and stylish designs
These are a few of our favorite things

With the year rapidly coming to an end, we’ve compiled a list of some of our favorite things for 2011.

We kicked off the year with the launch of PATH Foundation’s website to celebrate the Foundation’s 20^th anniversary. Many people know about the Silver Comet Trail, Stone Mountain Trail and Chastain Park Trail, but did you know they were all built by the PATH Foundation? Trio developed customized Google mapping for the trails so visitors can get real-time location information on their smartphones.

Trio worked with Georgia Commerce Bank to launch their new website. The website and advertising campaign highlight real life customer testimonials that discuss the personal service the bank offers as well as how the bank has worked with them to help make their businesses more successful. The slogan of the bank is “Your Success is our Business,” and it really rings true for their customers.

Trio worked with Piedmont Healthcare and Dr. Randy Martin to launch HealthwatchMD.com, which has revolutionized the way health care consumers are getting their information. HealthWatchMD produces original content seven days per week reporting on new studies, issues in the news, and health questions seen in movies or affecting celebrities. The video and social media integration is on the cutting edge for the health industry, leading HealthWatchMD to partner with The Weather Channel as the channel’s provider of health news.

Adding to our work with health care, Trio started working with Laura Turner Seydel on her website, social media and public relations. Laura’s mission is to create a sustainable and healthy planet for our kids. She serves as chairperson for the Captain Planet Foundation and Zero Waste Zone, and is co-founder of Mothers and Others for Clean Air as well as the Upper Chattahoochee Riverkeeper. Her new website and social media platforms are the best way – and maybe the only way – to keep up with her numerous events and activities.

In the spring, Trio helped PATH Foundation with their inaugural TriPATHlon. Ron not only helped with the race, but was also a participant. He is challenging all of his friends to sign up for next year’s race. If you have ever thought about trying a triathlon, this is the best race to start.

Denise stayed busy in 2011 with many speaking appearances on social media and merging media technologies, including CNN, a Ragan Healthcare webinar, Digital Atlanta and the Wedding MBA Conference in Las Vegas.

Finally, what a great year for the movies in Georgia! Denise and Ron were part of the original team that developed the business plan and legislation that led to the current entertainment tax incentives offered by the state. This tax incentive has been a tremendous economic generator for Georgia and resulted in the creation of thousands of jobs. Denise and Ron set up a sister company, Georgia Film Credit Consultants, to work with film studios to sell their tax credits to companies and individuals in Georgia.

Just a sampling of the movies filmed in Georgia this year:

• X Man: First Class
• Wanderlust
• Footloose
• What to Expect When You’re Expecting
• Madea’s Big Happy Family
• Fast & Furious 5
• The Three Stooges

Thanks for a fantastic year – we look forward to a great 2012!