Hype-Free Social Media Consulting

His clear, articulate grasp on both the strategy behind social communication and the methods for integrating it into business are compelling and impressive. In an industry that’s full of lots of enthusiasm and talk but can be short on practical, sound-minded business application, Jay stands out from the crowd. He has a firm grasp on *real* ROI, strategy, execution, and integration of social media with traditional channels.

– Client testimonial

Convince & Convert is a hype-free social media consulting firm that works with leading corporations – and their agencies – to harness the awesome power of the social Web. The firm is led by social media strategist Jay Baer.

Convince & Convert has provided social media counsel to many major brands (either directly, or indirectly via agency support) including Nike, Sony, Cadbury brands, MetLife, ExactTarget, Caterpillar, California Travel & Tourism Commission, Billabong, and Allstate.

Social Media Consulting Services

Convince & Convert provides seven primary social media consulting services:

Social Media Strategic Plans

Creation of sustainable, tools-agnostic strategies that integrate social media into business objectives
Based on Convince & Convert’s proprietary, 7-step social media strategic planning methodology
Focus on how to “be” social, not just how to “do” social
Fully measurable, with success metrics identified and dashboards created

Timeline: ~60 days
Representative Clients: Conn’s, HouseParty, MarketingProfs, ExactTarget, Swell, dozens of others

Social Media Audits

Thorough examination of existing social outposts
Analysis of competitor social outposts
Identification of strengths, shortcomings, and best practices in design, humanization, calls to action, and content
Often include review of other digital marketing elements such as search, usability, and email marketing

Timeline: ~30 days
Representative Clients: Sony, Swell, Conn’s, Caterpillar

Content Marketing Plans

Identify salient company stories, and story harvesting mechanisms (often including blog strategy)
Create storytelling editorial calendar, and determine (or create) appropriate social outposts, including video
Atomize and optimize content dissemination
(this is an especially relevant service for B2B technology companies)

Timeline: ~45 days, then ongoing support
Representative Clients: Bulbstorm, Roberts Communications, JDA Software

Social Media Campaigns & Ideas

Creation of social media “big ideas” and campaigns
Integrated with existing umbrella social media program
Fully articulated programs, including timelines, budgets, success metrics
A relevant balance between “what’s cool” and “what’s prudent”

Timeline: ~30 days, campaign management optional
Representative Clients: MarketingProfs, Daryn Kagan, Head & Shoulders, Jameson’s, Trident, dozens of others

Social Media Scoreboards

Identification of optimal social media success metrics
Creation of data gathering and reporting systems
Design and implementation of executive dashboards

Timeline: ~30 days
Representative Clients: Marina Maher Communications, ExactTarget, JDA Software

Social Media Integration and Operations Retainers

Social media policy development and steering committee formation
Social media staff training and best practices
Integration of social media into CRM/customer service
Creation of social media crisis plans
Creation of listening and response programs
On call and ad hoc advice and assistance

Timeline: Ongoing retainer
Representative Clients: JDA Software, California Travel & Tourism Commission, BlissPR, StandingPartnership, Bulbstorm, ExactTarget, Flint Communications, Roberts Communications, many others

Social Media Training Workshops

One or two-day live training workshops on the five primary ways to use social media
Includes training on social media strategic planning methodology, and success metrics identification
Can also be conducted via series of Webinars
Includes multiple small group breakouts and learning exercises

Timeline: 1-2 days
Representative Clients: Allstate, and more than 25 other companies world-wide

In my 20 years as a sales and marketing professional, I have never worked with a more brilliant and creative mind. Jay’s ability to articulate highly advanced marketing and business strategies in a simple, clear, and often entertaining manner is just one of his natural strengths. It seems effortless to him when he brings very innovative and highly differentiated solutions from concept to completion on a daily basis.

– Client testimonial