Whenever you “try to pull a fast one” over someone, you run a huge risk of ruining that relationship. That is, if you get caught. And, sooner or later, you’ll get caught. You’ll pay a huge price by losing that person’s trust. Word of your deceitful deed will also likely spread so that you lose the trust of the previous fools you’ve fooled and have no credibility going forward.
Monday morning, MediaPost had research from a great study that showed which products benefit the most from product placement, and which demographics are most influenced.
It’s a short article, with informative charts and such focused on product placement. But, the kicker that we all should pay attention to came at the end:
Gary Drenik, President & CEO of BIGresearch, said “Advertisers… are attempting to get their brand message out in non-traditional ways. However, today’s consumer knows when they are being manipulated and product placements must be carefully planned… or… risk being ignored…”
So, here’s a friendly warning:
For those bloggers who are paid for product posts and don’t disclose;
For those anonymous commenters who are really promoting a product, company or cause;
For those marketers who treat bloggers, social community members, etc., like traditional media;
For those companies that set up fake blogs (without disclosing);
And a host of other social media sins and scam . . .
You’re not fooling anyone.
– Mike