Wow this is is difficult to put into words. I have never done an online campaign before and this was an opportunity for me to see what an enormous undertaking it would be. As the sole Social Media guru in my office I am more often than not struggling with the misconceptions that people have about social media. It is difficult to make people see the connection between being a non profit but still having something to sell. We need numbers for the government to justify our jobs and that is not happening. Our target audience is getting younger and for us to not offer online registration or even a PDF to print off is insane. I strive daily to explain that Facebook alone cannot spread the word and increase our numbers. Our website is consistently behind in its information and often incorrect. How do you drive traffic to a website that we don't do analytics for. We have a contract person who does our website and we cannot make changes to it. It could take 2 to 3 weeks for an update. Responsive website is not even in our vocabulary. SEO, keyword search, play no part in our plan. ( We wouldn't want to hurt the feelings of our computer guy) I have learned so much and it is stifling at times to continue but slowly I do. This week I had some successes that I will share.
1. I convinced my boss to use a photo that I had taken in her Facebook ad for volunteers for one of our programs. It was not the usual wordy, blurby, shouty info ad. It performed well and people were amazed. Slow but progress
2. I was able to convince a business owner in the community to come in so I could demonstrate quickly why I had not opened his email and why others may not have opened it either. He truly appreciated my advice. We discussed everything from the large caps in the sender box (a website name) to his lame, for lack of a better word, subject line. We didn't go further than that because he got it pretty quickly.
I also demonstrated that I was more likely to access the email on my mobile where it actually looked worse. He asked " Would you have ever opened the email?" to which I responded "no." We talked about the importance of mobile devices and a responsive website. It was very cool for me to be seen as somewhat of an expert.
3. This last point is built on skills I have learned form all 7 of the courses I have taken so far. I have had trouble with the PCplus card and difficulty getting their attention. I did reply to a request they made for me to email them in their attempt to get me off line but when I did not get a speedy (3 day wait) response I again went to twitter and through keyword searches and a hashtag search on twitter I found influencers and the loblaws marketing executive in Ontario and they are now working on my issue and we will be having a phone conversation in the morning.
I now realize that I have a far reach and the ability to make changes with careful planning and good word choice and visuals. Never underestimate the power of the pen or in today's world the power of multimodality in an increasingly mobile world. Thanks for listening.
This is my first online marketing plan AND my first marketing class, so I definitely feel like I've dived right into the deep end. No better way to learn, I guess!
I was hoping to apply my learnings to my work projects, but discovered they're more immediately relevant to my volunteer experience. My project was loosely inspired by a brand new volunteer campaign to build a new women's shelter - we've had one meeting so far.
Since both the volunteer organization, A Safe Place, and the marketing program are new to me, I felt that research was the most important component of the project. Without solid research, you cannot define your target audience or market share, which is the basis from which any tactics should be developed. Another learning was the importance of a multi-prong approach. An online ad does not replace the need for authentic, direct communication and community support to help build the brand and spread the word.
During my work experience I have developed several Marketing Campaigns, but just one for online media. This is my second experience working in this kind of Marketing Campaign and I am still learning. I know this is just the beginning.
First of all, I should be honest, the template confused me a little, because it brought a lot of information but no concrete information, and when we have to develop digital strategies is really easy to lose the focus. I could suggest that deliver a Campaign Model could help as a guide for this activity. For this reason, I tried to do it on my way, but trying to accomplish the objectives for the assignment. Secondly, I think that the document that I submitted is just a draft for the real proposal, which would take more than 2 weeks (for beginners working alone). For example, my first online campaign took more than 1 month to obtain just the situation analysis, including analyze the target audience, competitors, among others. However, I think this activity gave to us a good view about what is an Online Marketing Campaign. I would like to have more time or more classes face to face to continue developing the campaign.
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/53902526762049417/
What I learnt from this assignment, or I should say what I confirmed, is that the measurables objectives are the key to develop a good strategy. If you do not know very clear what your goals are and how you can measure them, it will be really difficult to get success at the end of the campaign.
About what I think should be always including in an online marketing campaign? I would say a strategy to attract Search Engines, this is really important to increase traffic to your website, in other way it is like if you does not exist. Also, I would mention the content strategy, not just for websites, specially for social media networks, if you do not offer interesting content to your audience, they will never be captivated by your brand, products or services. As Craig David said, Chief Creative at the known advertising agency J. Walter Thompson: "you need to stop interrupting what interests people and be what interests people".
I have been involved in creating marketing campaign plans before but never an online marketing campaign plan, and this was quite a different experience. The online marketing campaign plan that I created for Shawn Adams Art differed from 'traditional' marketing campaigns that I have worked on in the past, in that I noticed that online marketing channels (web, email, mobile and social media) are not siloed channels, in the same way that 'traditional' marketing channels could be.
I learnt that online marketing audiences are no longer passive audiences receiving ads/information in a one-way system, they are interactive audiences giving feedback in real-time. These direct audience on social media don't supplant paid media entirely, but they give companies who develop a relationship with these audiences a much faster, lower cost means to reach a larger number of interested consumers. I also learnt that some of our online audiences have audiences of their own! These 'amplifiers' or 'influencers' are the fundamental building blocks of earned-media, and the people who make things "go viral". You can't force anyone to amplify your message, but you can incentivize or build relationships and experiences with your brand of such a caliber that people inherently want to share the experience (and hopefully purchase your product)! One should always include the following when marketing in the online environment?
Research! Lots of research into your company, your product(s) and your targeted audience
Make the process of navigating your website (and products), choosing a product, and purchasing it as easy and as enjoyable as possible.
Compelling and engaging content across all your online channels that can create meaningful interactions with your target audience(s)
Mobile responsiveness, since most people view and buy on a mobile device.
A clear, concise and effective CTA (Call to Action)
Stand out visuals (images and video)
Measure campaign results by monitoring your campaigns and referring back to analytics. Be prepared to make changes quickly in reaction to the results.
Traditional marketing plans have been part of my past but never have they dealt with the start-up of a online business and all that entails. I kept thinking about the value of 'telling a story' when looking at the various options before me. I believe there is truth in that statement but it differed from past experiences because the online marketplace is for most marketing interconnected with traditional marketing strategies. To me there are vast differences but similarities as well. This article was helpful to my understanding of the basics: http://www.hausmanmarketingletter.com/16-differences-between-social-media-and-traditional-media/
My greatest learning experience from this is you can never have enough planning. When one idea was figured out it created another five to work through and find solutions for. Online marketing for me will always include a variety of analytics to gauge who is looking, where from, and how they are doing it and more importantly who is buying! It will also help personalize what otherwise could be a very plutonic online transaction while keeping a high level of customer service.
I have created marketing campaign plans previously, but
never strictly for online. I noticed how tightly all the tactics are intertwined
compared to a more traditional marketing campaign, and also that when you have
the right tools it is quite easy to monitor the campaign’s performance.
I believe you should always include a great website built
for customers as the main point of your online marketing efforts. Websites should be about them, not you. Showcase your products,
have clear CTA’s and make it easy to navigate and to find your contact
information. If your website doesn’t do the following, what is the point of
spending money and directing people there? I think this is a great
inforgraphic on web design and layout:
In this reflection I'd like to be honest - it was way more work than I originally anticipated; however, the foundation of knowledge, skills, and insights I gained were well worth the effort. Never before have I created a marketing plan, yet I can 100% see the benefit. The best thing I learned - setting measurable goals. Sure, it seems so logical now, yet if your goals are measureable, or rather, if you understand your goals before you start out, then your plan will be that much more focused and goal-oriented. Plus, it'll probably be a success!
When marketing in an online environment, I believe, you must always refer back to your analytics, insights, or stats. Don't be afraid to change it up or to tweak the plan. Also, another important key when creating an online marketing plan - ensuring your plan includes the mobile user.
Also - you need to spend money even when using social media. Perhaps not a lot - yet using even a small budget will help you reach your goals. Overall, thank you so much for all the lessons - I'm so looking forward to putting this plan and future plans into action.
I have never had to construct a marketing plan so this has been a true learning experience for me. I found the process quite difficult and had several false starts with the provided template before I decided to do my own thing – which I don’t think was any easier, however, it is complete at last. The thing that has been drilled into me throughout this process is that there are no short cuts and you absolutely must do your research! Knowing your product / service inside out is a must as well as knowing your target market – again, inside out. And knowing one and not the other will never be effective and is doomed to failure from the start. Similarly, having all the right tools and not using them or not using them effectively will also result in failure.
A Brief Primer on Data Analytics
So, in short, know your product / service; know your target market; use every tool at your disposal to the very best of your ability. My feeling is that analytics are one of the most useful tools to analyze ones online marketing – and for the most part, they’re free! The following articles both informative and interesting: Got Analytics? A Brief Primer on Data Analytics
As a final application of what was shared in EXSM 5513 I was asked to prepare an Online Marketing Plan. I developed a plan to fit the needs of the farm I own and assist in operating. I was challenged to really critically think about the business side of the farm and what we really want to achieve. I was also challenged to find out where online do middle-aged male farmers hangout? How do I reach and engage them. I was a little surprised what a search of Twitter revealed! Farmers spend time on Twitter. My own research has led me to believe that this platform is a news and information source for the farming community.
In developing the plan I also noticed the many applications to my current position. The organization I work for has a mandate to increase consumer awareness of it's brand and educate people about how to cook and use our product. I know that I will absolutely apply the knowledge that was shared with me and use it to develop a plan for my organization. Lets hope it works so good I get a raise!
Wowza, assignment C is a lot of work but it is definitely beneficial.
I’ve done a few marketing plans in my undergrad days and a couple after I
graduated, but they are nothing like this online marketing plan. First thing I
notice is the empathies on web navigation; rather it is for a social media post,
direct email or webpage click-through. The plan needs to be written in a way
that mixes the proper communication, target marketing and customers’ experience
into one form. This is very different with a traditional marketing plan, where
these focuses are usually separated by different functions; mass media for
communication, then target specific market with promotions and distributions
and finally ensure customer satisfaction through direct selling.
Another area that is different is definitely analytics. Online
marketing requires the support of immediate reporting, where changes needs to
be made as quick as possible to fit certain market. Metrics (ex. bounce rate,
dwell-time, etc) need to be in place, and must be monitored constantly. One
benefit from such metrics is on measuring conversion; one can almost pin point exactly
what is resonating and motivating to buy/act with the target marketing. This is
something that traditional marketing cannot accomplish economically.
Other than metrics and easy navigation (aka web or post
design), some of the other must have for online marketing include SEO, online
advocates or network, a genuine email list, and proper content development.
Image from http://www.eseade.edu.ar
By the way, I found a video that gives a good Coles Notes version of online marketing plan! Check it out!
I've worked in communications for nearly eight years, and I realized when working on the final assignment that I've never designed an online marketing campaign, nor have I been asked to prepare one. I think that many people overlook the necessity of having a solid plan, which is strange since I work at a post-secondary institution. You wouldn't teach a course without having a solid plan (i.e. syllabus), would you? In creating this online marketing campaign I've learned many things that will be beneficial to my future marketing projects. For example, you need to examine your target audience and determine the ways that they prefer to interact with your organization--adjust your strategy to fit with your customer, and not the other way around. For this project, my target audience was females aged 30-50 who had a Master of Nursing degree. Where do they spend their time online and how do they like to receive their information? You need to suss out specific information related to your target and create campaigns that they can relate to and deliver it to them in their preferred manner. As well, timelines are incredibly important. Give yourself a deadline for a task to ensure accountability and be specific; the more specific you are the clearer your vision. Finally, examine your analytics! See what's driving people to your website/product (and often!) and don't be afraid to tweak your campaign. As I examine what I've learned throughout this course and in completing the final project, I think that when you're marketing in the online environment you always need to track your efforts. Whether you rely on Google Analytics, Facebook Insights, Twitter Analytics, etc. you need to be able to measure your efforts so that you can analyze the results and make adjustments to the campaign--how else will you know whether you've run a good campaign or know where it all started to fall apart!
Affiliate marketing was an unknown term to me before I read the article. I was part of the 14% of his readers who didn't know what it was and while these statistics are interesting they did not appear in my word cloud. They were the lead in to the article and right away they engaged me and because he aimed the discussion at the 14% who didn't know what affiliate marketing was I knew I would benefit from the blog post. Besides the obvious words of affiliate and marketing the key words to stand out were promote, publisher, readers, products, blogs, and trust, This completely aligned with what I understood from the article. The relationship between publishers and readers is built on trust. I wish that trust had been more prominent in the word cloud because it is essential in the affiliate marketing. Trust is what gives you the potential to earn more money but if the product is not great then you have the potential to lose your readers. That trust takes time to build but is quick to dissolve and I think this is why only 29% of this blog's readers used affiliate marketing. Other factors, like having a product that aligns with your blog, play a part in your ability to make money using affiliate marketing but trust is the key factor.
The article "Your blog can attract millions of followers" listed a few individuals who demonstrated success with blogging. It is interesting that these people blog about something that is total different from their starting career; they blog about their interest and then slowly snowball into become a major part of their lives. Simply put, being passionate about the things one blog about is important, follow by being consistent (even if it is a slow start), and finally be engaging and approachable online. This seemingly is the formula to a become a successful blogger, especially if one want to make a living out of it.
I the article What is Affiliate Marketing by Darren Rowse, the concept of advertising on a personal/business blog is explored. Rowse brings great points to light in terms of diffusing the 'Get rich quick' thoughts in relation to partnering with brand/companies while giving some sound terms for thought when managing quality, reputation, desirable skill sets and track-ability as relating to Affiliate Marketing
This article resonated with me as I have clients who are interested in this opportunity and it was a good introduction as to what to consider prior to engaging.
On the day that I monitored my mobile content use, I started my day by checking the weather on my phone. During the day I checked my texts and emails a few times. I also used the camera for the selfie assignment in class. For professional use, I checked my employer’s Facebook page once and my work email twice as I was away from the office.
In the evening at home I found myself grabbing my phone about every 30 minutes, but only for a specific purpose. I was busy, so for entertainment I only browsed Facebook after I was done all my chores. I ended up briefly using utility apps such as Evernote and flashlight, and tools on my phone such as the alarm clock and the calendar.
As usual, I mostly used my phone in the evening on the couch while the TV was on. The most enjoyable use was checking Facebook and seeing photos and updates from friends and family, as it keeps me connected to them no matter where they live. About 90% of the content was for personal use. As the infographic at the end of this blog post states, the majority of people use a mobile device while watching TV.
The day I monitored my use is a fairly accurate reflection of my mobile content usage, although I typically use my phone a bit more for entertainment. I use my work cell phone only when I am not in the office during the day. About 95% of my mobile use is for personal purposes. I believe this article and the infographic describes my mobile usage very well: https://hbr.org/2013/01/how-people-really-use-mobile
I don’t think I use my cell phone too much. Seeing this video about year ago prompted me to become more conscious of my mobile use, and as mentioned, I try use my phone with a specific purpose in mind and for a limited time. I have turned off all notifications. I am on my phone for longer periods of time only when I am by myself.
With that said, I think my phone is a valuable tool and I would not want to part with it. My phone is my access to entertainment, news, information, my friends and family, and several useful tools to keep myself organized. It is also my camera and camcorder on the go. I hardly ever play games and never actually shop on my phone, although I do research and browse.
However, here is an interesting blog post on what people would give up to keep their mobile phones. This list confirms that I am not too badly addicted, as the only thing I wouldn't mind giving up is chocolate.
I use mobile devices very often, which means that happens everyday in my life, during all day. If some day I forget my cellphone at home it’s awful for me, I feel that I am missing many things happening around the world. It's my way to be connected with everything, no matter how far it is. The relation between my personal and professional use is 80% Vs. 20%. The highest figure corresponds to personal use.
My most enjoyable way to use my mobile devices is through Apps, and secondly for e-mails. The apps are designed for mobile devices so it’s really friendly to use it. In case of e-mails, I just answer if I need to answer really quick and be timely, but I prefer to do it on my laptop, as well as for buying, I prefer to do it from my home on my laptop. I feel more safety when I buy through my laptop and not through my mobile. Likewise, I can see better what I am purchasing, I can research more about it, and do it in a more confortable way. I like to take my time when I am going to buy online.
The Apps that I use more are: Whatsapp, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Viber or Tango, Youtube and LinkedIn.
Whatsapp: It's is an App to chat and be connected with family and friends and with no extra fees. I can chat with all of them and I just use my data plan, and it is easy to use. Aditionally, you can make groups with specific people. For example, I have a group with my best friends:
Twitter: I cannot live with no check Twitter, It's my best tool to be updated about everything. I think that I was using it more in my country because we always have breaking news, and this is the faster media to know about it.
Instagram and Facebook: These are my favourites Apps to be distracted, as well as Facebook. I use them when I am on the bus or subway, waiting for someone or maybe before I go to sleep. The reason? They are very visual and with direct messages, and also has videos. For example, on Instagram I follow the subjects that I like such as Home Decor, Artists, Gastronomy, Fashion, so when I check it I always find things that I like it and entertain me. ALso, on Facebook I can keep in touch with family and friends.
Viber or Tango: These are Apps to speak by phone like a regular phone like a regular phone call but with no extra fees charged. With this App I just use my data plan, and if I am at home that means that I have unlimited time to use it. This is perfect for me, because I can talk with my family and friend from Venezuela very often and no worries (Note: Jairo is my dad #lol).
Youtube: I constantly use Youtube either directly or through other apps like Facebook. I use it for specific videos or campaigns, and also for channels that I like such as Fitmencook:
In Canada, I started to use very useful Apps like Ikea, RBC and Kijiji. Also I use a lot ETS Trip Planner, but sadly they don´t have an App, I just can check it on the website and it´s not so friendly for mobile devices.
During last days, the Apps that I use more on my mobile device are for personal use than professional. But during my last job, was the opposite. I was always checking the accounts on Facebook and Twitter from the company where I was working.
Anyway, I also use my apps to be updated about marketing and communications.
During my last day, I actually used my mobile device in all ways that I mentioned before, which is an often pattern in my everyday life. For this reason, I could say that is actually a really close reference about my general use of Mobile Devices. However, if we need the details, I could say that we need more time to define better my profile, because I also use Apps for organize my life and others that I use maybe just once a week or twice a month. These details could define the benefits or interests that I want to find through my mobile devices, among others features.
As for the conclusion of how much time I spend with my mobile device, I think it is not too much, because I do not feel that it has moved me from the real world. Conversely, this practice constantly feeds and I also have control over it. For instance, I turn off notifications from some groups of chat or Apps that I only review when I want to. In this way, I manage my time and priorities in my mobile device.
After tracking my mobile usage for one day I was surprised at how often and for how long I actually do use it. I originally thought that my usage was extremely limited and that I only used it for texting and calling friends and family but I have learnt that I use it so much more than I thought!
Here’s how my daily mobile use breaks down:
Use
% Time Used
Personal / Work
Where am I?
Facebook
50%
personal
bus / LRT or waiting somewhere
Facebook
5%
work
anywhere
Twitter
2%
work
anywhere
My Fitness Pal
5%
personal
anywhere
Weather
2%
personal
anywhere
Games
30%
personal
bus / LRT or waiting somewhere
Texting
5%
personal
anywhere
Phone
1%
personal
anywhere
I suppose I use my mobile more to escape the boredom of waiting or using public transportation more than anything else and Facebook and games are a great way to do that. I enjoy being able to lose myself and escape the hustle and bustle by either connect with family and friends or playing a game. Of course an added joy of Facebook is that, with family and friends all over the world I am able to connect with them as and when I have time, and unlike a phone call, I don’t ever have to worry about time zones and how many hours difference there are or are they home - I am able to connect and in the same light they can respond as and when they choose.
In my case, as I mentioned above, I was very surprised at just how much I actually use my mobile and I believe that it quite accurately reflects my current use. While tracking my usage was surprising it did not raise any questions for me, but perhaps gave me a greater appreciation when I switch everything off and step away from it. Although this is a part of my life and I would miss the convenience if it was taken away completely, it is not, to date, such an integral part of my life that I feel I can’t step away. I truly enjoy actual in-person interaction far more than any other form of communication.
I use my mobile a lot during the day for personal usage. According to my records I used my mobile device in one way or another at least once or twice an hour from 6:00am to 10:00pm on the day of the mobile monitoring experiment. It has become second nature for me to use my mobile devices instead of a wristwatch, a calendar, a camera, a diary, a map, a mailed letter, a newspaper and so on, in both my personal and work life. The below is an account of how, when and why I used my mobile device on the day I was monitoring and tracking my usage.
Time: On the day of the mobile usage experiment I used my mobile device (iphone) for telling time throughout the day and as an alarm clock to wake me up in the morning. Can't be late for my Online and Mobile Marketing and Commerce course at the U of A Faculty of Extension! For three years I did not have a wristwatch as I relied on my iphone to tell time and to look at what date/day it is. Even now that I have a wind-up watch, and only because one was gifted to me, I still reach for my iphone first to check the time. In winter time I like not having to try and roll-up the multiple layers of selves (coats, jackets, long sleeved tops) to look at my wristwatch! It is so much easier to click my iphone and VOILA I know the time!
Reading and catching up: I am quite a social creature, particularly with my friends and family. On the day I was monitoring and tracking my mobile I checked my Facebook, Twitter and texts throughout the day to read newly posted/tweeted/texted messages from friends and family, and posted/tweeted/texted my own posts and/or images. I checked my mobile device for these actions at least once every two hours throughout the day! I replied to emails and text messages, and created new texts and emails, the latter via my Gmail app. I no longer have to go to my computer room in my basement at home in the morning to check my emails or social networking sites, or have to sit on the bus not being able to access my emails or social networking sites until I get to work or home, as I can access them on my phone. I like having the choice to check my emails and social networking sites when, where and how I want to. I find it useful to receive e-alerts and notifications as I tend to be absent minded, and use the iphone Calendar app plus the Gmail app calendar to input meetings, classes and social appointments so that I don't forget. I tend to check my mobile calendars each morning, as sometimes I miss the alerts that I receive on my phone. Again this has taken the place of a physical calendar that I used to carry around with me with all my meetings and events listed. (PS: Don't be ashamed of toilet texting, more people do it than you realise.! This Slate blog article opens up the murky world of toilet texting.)
Navigation: I used my Google Maps app to plan my travel via public transportation to and from the Faculty of Extension. I find this very useful as it takes the fear out of missing a bus or train, and that I can reach my destination. I used to always carry a paper map but no longer have need for this. I love being able to use the Google Maps app to guide me as I walk to a destination that I have never been to before, with the dot following along in real time on a map so I know where I am and where I am heading to. It is reassuring as a woman alone in a new area of the city or a new city or country to know that I can navigate the terrain with confidence and all with the click on an app on my iphone.
Connecting with friends and family (both near and far)
At the end of the mobile monitoring day I managed to Skype (using the Skype app on my iPhone) with a friend in Australia even though I was not in my house (thus not near my desktop computer). My mobile device has increased the sense of connection that I feel with friends and family who live far away.
Researching (jobs): I checked for jobs on various job sites at least three times on the day of the mobile usage experiment. I am not working at the moment and so I tend I to use my mobile device on a daily basis to check for job openings in my sector of communications/media relations/social media . I can see immediately what jobs are available as they are updated hourly, daily and weekly, and I can check them no matter where I am. This replaces searching the newspaper for jobs.
Taking images and posting them to social networking sites I had put up our Christmas tree and decorated it the night before my monitoring and tracking of my mobile usage - Martha Stewart eat your heart out - and the next morning I wanted to share it with friends and family far-away and so posted it to my Facebook. I am an avid photographer and mobile devices are growing in leaps and bounds in the realm of photographic quality and potential. I tend to find that I do not carry my camera with me as much as I used to and just use my phone. As I am planning a wedding next year I can find myself easily getting immersed in Pinterest on an almost daily basis, checking out what wedding colour schemes might look good together, what bridesmaid dresses my maid of honour (who lives in Greece, might like, flower arrangements and so much more (that until know I had been very happily unaware of in relation to the wedding industry)! On the day of my mobile monitoring and tracking I checked Pinterest at least four times on my mobile device, looking at wedding related images and sending images and links to my maid of honour.
Checking my bank account - On the day I was tracking my mobile usage, I accessed my bank account once, via my BMO app on my mobile device, as I had a bill to pay. Being able to access my bank account via mobile device and e-banking is co convenient. I no longer have to take time out of my busy life to visit a bank, which is only open on certain days and at certain times. I no longer have to take a bus or lrt to the bank as my bank account are now accessible 24/7 via my mobile device.
Music: As I got ready in the morning, and when I was getting ready for bed, I brought my mobile device into my bathroom and I listened to music via the Spotify app. This has replaced my radio that I used to own and keep beside my bed. I enjoy being able to be my own dj, choosing the tracks that I want to listen to and in what order. The Tech Blog (Future Shop) describes Spotify as being "among the best" of the music streaming entities that are available out there.
I think tracking my use for one day gave a pretty accurate reflection of my current use of my mobile. Though believe it or not I do use it less now than I would if I was working in my sector of communications and media relations. When I was working as the communications coordinator at the U of A Faculty of Law I would check my mobile often for work emails on my way to and from work, post tweets related to the Faculty of Law, and check how stories and images that I posted via my computer looked when they were viewed on a mobile device as studies have shown that most students accessed information first via their mobile devices.
This assignment has shown me that I am a daily and regular mobile user and that my usage is quite varied. Maybe I could do with putting down
the mobile now and then and do something else, but I enjoy the convenience that the mobile device gives me, plus most of what I use my mobile device for I was already using other items/devices/options for this - print maps, wristwatch, email via desktop computer, etc. For me, in relation to my life and work, my mobile allows me to organize my life using one device rather than having to wear or carry all the physical items that I used to, a watch, a diary, a calendar, a map and so on. Checking my mobile is quite addictive, always
wanting to be up-to-date with what is going on, to be reading the latest news,
taking and sending information and images to friends, and using it for work. It
can indeed be hard to not automatically click on my mobile when I hear/see the
notifications, email alerts, etc. But as my career is related to communications
and media relations, and I like to personally keep in touch with friends and
family who live faraway, the pros of using a mobile device far outweigh the cons.I find my mobile and what I can use it for to be a blessing rather than a curse, as I can use my mobile device whenever, wherever and however I want.
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