What we talked about last night in terms of grabbing the first couple of users. Obviously, I'm not a business major and know nothing about marketing (in fact, I'm taking it pass/fail right now because I'm so clueless, but that's besides the point), so when we were questioned last night on how we would attract that initial user base, I was trying to think a little more creatively and a lot less business oriented.
And that's when I came up with the idea of having the support of the youth organizations on our side - having the leaders be aware of what Locker Talker can do for their groups to help them communication outside of meetings, etc. I think in terms of marketing, this is a great avenue of an initial group of people to market the product to - we've already talked about doing that for parents and educators. But now market it to the troop leader, the head coach, and youth ministry organizer. Have them use it as a tool so they're participants are "highly encouraged" (I don't want to make anything mandatory) to participate in the use of Locker Talker to further facilitate group work and discussion and become more aware of what's going on around them.
Kids outside of these youth organizations will then also become aware of its potential uses. And the kid who does nothing can still become a member and pick groups. Even if he doesn't pick a group (so he has no "interest derived" news, he will still receive the day's top headlines on the back of his locker door. And he still has the ability to participate in Internet education. And maybe seeing what others can do through Locker Talker will encourage him to get involved (I know I'm being extremely optimistic here)? I guess my point is this: if the only thing you do is sign up and sign in to Locker Talker once, then at least you're getting the news that one time. And maybe a headline will spark your attention ...
Other ways. We've talked about this being an alternative to social networking, and so hopefully we can tap into an audience that is too young for the MySpace/Facebook craze of just not allowed to do it because it's down right creepy. Kim brought up a good point in the conference call two weeks ago: with an icon on the homepage of the sponsoring news organization, the idea is going to be introduced to parents, who can get their kids excited (maybe ... I do realize we're dealing with 12-year-olds).
I don't know. Maybe I'm completely off base, but those are my thoughts on getting the first 10 members.
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1 comment:
I love the team/ group idea. Generating the aim of the project to team leaders is an excellent.
The part of the project that I am most sure will work is the idea of marketing the site to parents of children. These parents would be middle to upper-middle class, white-collar workers who would rather their children not be on myspace. The sit would offer a safe, educational alternitive to myspace and other social networking sites that would appeal to parents and children would settle with.
Its not the perfect marketing strategy, but it a way to gauge a gap market.
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