Media Kit

Advertising & Partnership Opportunities with Viewpoints

Viewpoints Network is a social technology and media company helping consumers make smarter purchase decisions. We build communities by motivating “social influencers” to share their insights and experiences through written reviews, blogs, how-to guides and participating in forums and contributing and voting on new product and service ideas. We then organize their contributions to help other in-market consumers make better, more informed decisions about the products they buy and the brands they choose. Viewpoints Technology Platform powers Viewpoints.com and branded communities like MySears.com.

We'd love to talk to you about exciting partnership opportunities, and invite you to explore our blog to find out more the latest happenings at Viewpoints.

News, ideas, and a few recommendations too!

This was a recent update we shared with clients– posted here in case you missed it.

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The Viewpoints team recently celebrated its three year anniversary and in light of this milestone, we wanted to take a minute to share a few updates since we've touched base.   

First, we're excited to share some new site and community developments:  

• Launch of the Viewpoints Network - advertisers can now extend the reach of their Viewpoints marketing campaigns by running on the Viewpoints network of online community sites, which now includes www.MySears.com and www.MyKmart.com.  These sites are all community driven, review centric websites that attract in-market consumers.  We offer full transparency in the network and you can customize targeting among network sites.
• Growth in the Community - our unique user count has grown to 2.3 million users and we have registered more than 450,000 consumers who are actively creating profiles, writing reviews, participating in discussions and sharing shopping experiences.
• We're more social than ever - users can now log into any Viewpoints community site with their Facebook, Google, Yahoo, AOL, MySpace, Twitter, Windows Live and Open ID accounts.  Take a look here and feel free to give it a whirl.

Secondly, we've been busily deploying campaigns to help top brands engage our social influencers and reach in-market consumers.  We put together a few ideas that might be helpful conversation starters with your clients. 

• Big brands do Social Every day we hear from agencies who are trying to help their clients participate in social media and often the stumbling block isn't budget or strategy, it's legal.  We've successfully navigated these waters and have been able to launch Social Influencer programs for clients like Kraft, SC Johnson and P&G.  We'd love to talk about how following WOM best practices in regard to disclosure and providing very structured campaigns within the openness of the social web have allowed our agency partners to successfully navigate legal hurdles.

                   A recent Kraft sampling program tapped Viewpoints reviewers to generate 800+ reviews and
                    extensive word of mouth about two new flavors.

• Negative Reviews - Are your clients still scared at the thought of negative reviews?  Share this Forbes article on the UPSIDE of bad reviews - it contains some excellent lessons learned from eBags founder Peter Cobb. 
• Credible alternatives to micro sites?  When clients don't have resources to build enticing micro sites for their brands or products, it limits media campaigns for those brands.  Consider driving traffic to an enhanced Brand or Product page on Viewpoints.  We surround consumer written reviews with extensive product details, Where To Buy links, video and road-blocked brand advertising.  These pages contain a wealth of credible information about products and are ideal landing pages.  At a fraction of the cost of typical site development, these search optimized pages provide long term benefit for your clients by attracting free ongoing organic traffic.

And finally, in keeping with our mission of helping consumers make smarter decisions, we've included a few recommendations of our own.  Ladies, check out Kim's recent review of the Butter by Nadia wrap dress - a dress that just might change your life…or at least your closet!  Or, read about Ashley's new favorite Oil of Olay Night Cream. And last but not least, anyone feeling overworked and in need of a getaway might want to check out everything Mark has to say about the Sonoma Chalet Bed and Breakfast! 

We hope you enjoy the rest of your summer and please reach out to us if any of your clients are looking to a) reach in-market buyers, b) create positive word of mouth and find hard to reach social influencers, and c) build online communities that drive business results, and provide customer insight and loyalty.

Best regards,

Kim, Ashley, & Mark

Viewpoints Advertising Team

   

Contact Kim - p: 312-447-6119, e: kim[@]viewpoints.com

Contact Ashley - p: 312.447.6103, e: ashley[@]viewpoints.com

Contact Mark - p: 312.447.3914; e: mark[@]viewpoints.com

The word is out – advertising to in-market shoppers works!

Summer has been a BUSY time here at Viewpoints! Well, I guess the small exception would be my two week journey to Africa and Italy (awesome, btw – I give it 5 stars, see pics posted on my Viewpoints profile page). But ever since I got back we've been in nonstop mode…and the reason? Advertisers are starting to realize the extraordinary value in targeting consumers as they read product reviews prior to making a purchase decision.

As an example – say I was in market to buy a new Washing Machine and I was looking for some info on Whirlpool brand washers. Logically, I would very likely head over to Google (or maybe Bing now??) and I might type in "Whirlpool Washing Machine reviews" because I care about what other people are saying before committing to this big purchase. After all, according to 2008 Forrester report, 75% of web buyers who use customer ratings say that Appliance reviews are very to extremely valuable.

If I did this, my google results would likely show something like this:

 

And when I click on the Viewpoints link, I arrive here, on a page full of consumer reviews of Whirlpool products AND targeted advertising from Whirlpool featuring current promotions available to shoppers right now.

Targeted? Check.

Relevant? Check.

User in right mindset for advertising messages? You bet.

Effective? Very.

Kraft dishes up tasty treats for the Viewpoints community

Kraft recently completed a Social Influencer campaign on Viewpoints to generate awareness about two new flavors of Philadelphia Cream Cheese. The aim was to create consumer reviews and word of mouth, while also changing the perception that cream cheese is only a product for breakfast.

The net result? A whopping 800+ reviews written (averaging 4.35 stars out of 5!), tons of word of mouth, and legions of new converts who think Philadelphia Spinach Artichoke and Tomato Basil cream cheese is just perfect on crackers for an afternoon snack!

Snippets of some of the great reviews created in the program are featured below. A key benefit of the Social Influencer program is the ability to use customer testimonials in follow up media campaigns and on brand sites. Viewpoints generated reviews were featured on CookingwithKraft.com - adding the credibility of consumer generated reviews to brand messaging and helping drive downloads of a coupon offer.

Viewpoints was psyched to partner with our neighbors in Chicago – Upshot – to execute this campaign.

 

View full review on Viewpoints

View full review on Viewpoints

View full review on Viewpoints

CPG clients see great results with Social Influencer campaigns

We've recently completed two exciting Social Influencer campaigns for CPG clients – with some fascinating results!

First, we provided free samples of the new Windex Outdoor All-in-One Glass Cleaning Tool to selected members of the Viewpoints community. They tried it out, reviewed their experience using the product and shared their feedback with Viewpoints and their personal networks.  According to our reviewers, it's a WINNER!! Viewpoints reviewers loved the product, raved about it to their family and friends, and positively recommended it, giving it an average 4.25 stars out of 5.

Check out the enhanced Windex Product Page on Viewpoints below to see the reviews written by our members, and come back soon to find out how Kraft leveraged Viewpoints to introduce two new Philly cream cheese flavors and a whole new way of snacking!

View all Windex Outdoor reviews on Viewpoints.com.

The new IAB Social Media Ad Unit Best Practices

Social Media Ad Standards -

Hiring an Online Advertising Operations Manager

Are you looking for a new opportunity in online advertising? Do you have a passion for online communities and live on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter? If so, here's a fantastic opportunity for you to join an exciting social media start up in Chicago. Take a look at the job description and if you are a fit, we'd love to hear from you!

About Us

Viewpoints Network is a media and technology company whose mission is to create online communities that tap into the power of personal experiences to help consumers make smarter decisions. The Viewpoints Technology Platform powers the company's flagship website, Viewpoints.com as well as partners such as MySears.com. In the two years since its launch, Viewpoints.com has grown into a leading destination site for consumer ratings and reviews and quickly established itself as a go-to resource for consumers actively looking for information before making a purchase decision.

We are looking for an Advertising Operations Manager to join our team to help us set up, manage and optimize online campaigns, while also providing overall Account Management support for our advertising clients as well as our publishing partners. This is an ideal position for someone with some experience in ad ops and who is looking to take a next step into a role where they can easily manage trafficking responsibilities while also growing and developing their Account Management skills. This is a full time position with salary commensurate with experience, bonus potential, and full benefits.

Qualifications

• At least 2 years of relevant experience working in online ad operations for a publisher, network, or ad agency.
• Thorough understanding of online ad campaign metrics and analysis including; CPM, CPC, and CPA.
• Ability to compile and analyze performance data and metrics; strong knowledge of MS Excel including pivot tables.
• Familiarity with rich media tags, basic understanding of Java Script and basic HTML.​
• Significant familiarity working with any of the major ad serving solutions (DART, GAM, Atlas, 24/​7 etc.​ – although GAM is preferred). Also experience working with third party ad serving programs, including behavioral targeting and rich media vendors (Eyeblaster, Pointroll, etc) is required.
• Solid verbal and written communication skills, organization skills, and excellent time management skills
• Experience communicating with internal sales and technology teams as well as external clients and ad agencies.
• Strong multi-tasker; comfortable working in an environment where everyone pitches in and does whatever it takes to get the job done.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Monitor online campaign delivery, develop and implement strategies to improve campaign performance, increase revenue and meet advertiser objectives.
• Monitor and look for ways to improve email campaign delivery and performance.
• Communicate with internal departments regarding advertising inventory, availability forecasting, campaign performance, and sell-thru reporting.
• Supply management team with monthly projections, delivery reports, and end of the month reporting.
• Help develop and communicate creative specs, policies and requirements for ad products and programs. 
• Support creative/technical and targeting related inquiries by customers and partners.
• Collaborate with product and sales teams to refine new programs and products, and provide expertise regarding ads placements, targeting and revenue optimization.
• Serve as the key liaison between internal sales and tech groups to make sure client programs are successfully executed – which includes managing the entire process from setting client expectations surrounding timing and deliverability, to working with community managers and technical team to recruit recipients, to scheduling emails, mailing out samples, coordinating with designers, and compiling end of campaign reports and analysis.

Interested?

Please send resume and compelling cover letter to: kim@viewpoints.com

See you at CIMA April 23rd!

CIMA is hosting a spring networking event on 4/23^rd at Rockit Bar and Grill and Viewpoints will be there. All I can say is: Spring. Chicago. And - it's about time!!

Event information is here - http://www.chicagoima.org/

It's a chance to meet Ashley (Johnson) Barthel - the newest member of our advertising team.

Will we see you there?  I hope so!

 

Welcome Ashley!

I'm happy to announce and welcome the newest member of our advertising team! Meet Ashley Barthel – who joins us from Yahoo, and also previously worked at Mindshare in a planner role for several years.   Her experience on both sides of the table allows her to understand our client's challenges and put together creative – and practical – solutions.

It's a given that Ashley brings a wealth of Internet Advertising experience with her, here are a few other fun facts about her that you should know:

1. She is a lifelong Chicagoan AND she has season tickets to the Cubs.
2. Feeding her sushi will get you on her good side. (see item #1)
3. Underneath her tough sales persona is a good heart – she's currently in training to walk in the 2-day Avon Walk for Breast Cancer.
4. She's in the market for a new puppy so send her your suggestions a good breed. (I am already rooting for a pit bull rescue!)

Here's Ashley's contact info and you can check her out on her profile page on Viewpoints.

Ashley Johnson Barthel

Viewpoints.com

O: 312.447.6103

F: 866.278.2117

E: ashley@viewpoints.com

Please reach out and say hello to Ashley.

Thanks!
Kim

 

WSJ talks about the New Info Shoppers; we've got them

Came across this fantastic article in the Wall Street Journal today – all about what they are dubbing "New Info Shoppers".

These are people who don't buy anything until they go online and read everything they can about it. I think many retailers and manufacturers have become accustomed to individuals doing research before buying big ticket items like cars, appliances and travel. However, what was really fascinating was their description of how in the current economic climate people are shopping smarter and are now looking for information and reviews on even small everyday purchases – like shampoo.

Our experience at Viewpoints absolutely confirms this to be true. While we do have an enormous amount of reviews on 'big purchase' items, people also have tons of questions and interest in finding more about the products they use every day. Check out some examples:

The Mr. Clean Magic Eraser, costing less than $10, has over 600 reviews on our site - http://www.viewpoints.com/Mr-Clean-Magic-Eraser-Extra-Power-reviews

Similarly, consumers can read over a 100 reviews from people who seem to LOVE Miracle Grow Plant Food - it's recommended 99% of the time! Enthusiasts have even uploaded tons of photos to show and share how well their plants have grown after feeding them Miracle Grow.

Finally, check out this individual review written about the Acai Berry Cleanse (a diet product). It's been voted to be helpful over 260 times! Even more interestingly, look at the hundreds of comments and questions posed by other consumers. The author of the review – known as MommaHunt in the Viewpoints community – takes the time to respond to the comments. It's another example of consumers seeking credible product information before they decide whether or not to purchase something. Do you think "MommaHunt" has influenced purchase behavior on the Acai Berry Cleanse? ABSOLUTELY!!

Closing thoughts from the WSJ article -

The point is that advertising isn't just moving to the Web, it's got to grapple with an entirely new kind of shopper and way of shopping. Marketers now have to balance traditional media, online media, and content that is generated by experts, bloggers and consumers themselves. An astonishing 70% of Americans now say they consult product reviews or consumer ratings before they make their buying decisions. Sixty-two percent say they spend at least 30 minutes online every week to help them decide what and whether to buy. Among Americans under 45, that number shoots up to 73%. Seventy-three percent -- that's more than four times the percentage in that age group who go to church every week. For some, smart shopping is more than a hobby. It's a religion.

If you are a marketer trying to find the best way to interact in this new landscape – we'd love to talk. We can help.

We’re Hiring!

Are you our next star Account Executive? I hope so because we are ready for you NOW!

If you have online ad sales experience and are looking to make a fresh start in 2009, here's a fantastic opportunity for you to join an exciting social media start up in Chicago. Take a look at the job description and if you are a match (note the highlighted qualification, alas this is a requirement), I'd love to hear from you. Reach me at: kim@viewpoints.com

Job summary

We are looking for an Advertising Sales professional to join our team to help connect marketers with our audience through branding and sponsorship programs as well as innovative Social Advertising Packages that help create social buzz around our clients' brands.

Job responsibilities

• The Account Executive is responsible for building relationships with advertisers and advertising agencies.
• Your sales territory will be national, and largely unrestricted.
• You will prospect, present, negotiate and close sales. 
• Post sale, you will maintain relationships with your clients and handle anything that comes up along the way.
• In this role, you will sell premium CPM banner and sponsorship campaigns online and in email.
• Additionally, you will creatively design, present, and sell customized "Social Influencer" packages that leverage the vibrant Viewpoints audience to get consumers to interact with clients' brands.  Custom packages may include sampling, polling, surveys, review syndication and more.

 

Job qualifications

You have an interest and passion for social media and believe that the way companies interact with their customers is fundamentally changing.  You regularly use social media websites and applications such as Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, del.ic.ous, digg, etc.  You enjoy the environment and excitement of a start-up, the security of a well-funded organization with an experienced management team, and want to be part of a company with a mission and values you can believe in.  Specifically:

• You have two-five years experience selling online media.
• You have an existing network of contacts that you can leverage to hit the ground running.
• You enjoy working with a team, but are largely self-directed, self-motivated, and self-sufficient.
• You are very comfortable working in an environment where everyone pitches in and does whatever it takes to get the job done. 

 

Salary and benefits

This is a full time position; base + commission will be paid commensurate with experience. In addition, we offer a benefits package including Health and Dental insurance, 401k, vacation plan, and eligibility to participate in the company bonus plan.