Chris: When did you first start using social media (blog, twitter, facebook) as a marketing tactic?
 

Iván: I started blogging in November of 2007 meadedesigngroup.blogspot.com, back then I read a great book about embracing technology while protecting the environment. The phrase stuck with me and from there, blogging was a very natural transition.  Being in the Interior and Graphic Design Business myself, I thought It would be a good media to showcase my work in progress, the things I like and the thoughts of my colleagues.  I started the Facebook page over a year and a half ago, and I opened a Twitter account this year – I tried Twitter over a year ago, but I was having a hard time understanding its benefits, why Tweet when you already have a blog? Now I see that I can use it as a promotional tool for the blog as well as create buzz marketing for our business achievements (such as magazine covers or television appearances).

 

Iván: After I started blogging I started getting notifications from fellow bloggers – I got curious and I wanted to learn more.

 

Iván: Useless – Weird – Awkward – But I was totally wrong; the audience I have been able to reach through Twitter has been unprecedented for my company.

 

Iván: In addition to my Facebook, Twitter and Blogger accounts, I also use Stumble Upon, LinkedIn, You Tube, Digg, Sphinn and I complement them using Google Analytics, Hootsuite, Window Writer,  and Technorati to improve the effectiveness of my social media marketing.

 

Iván: Using Social Media has given us lots of credibility; but it has also put an approachable face to my business.

 

Iván: I have several, but 3 come to mind.

 

1. In February I was invited to a Vancouver get-together at the house of renowned designer/blogger Patricia Gray – all because of blogging! She has been a force in the Vancouver design scene for the last 30 years, and having the opportunity to meet her and other colleagues that blog was amazing. 

 

2. In May I published an interview with international designer Tobi Fairley on my blog. Days after I posted the interview, she sent me a message on Facebook telling me that she was going to visit Vancouver soon and would like to get-together – I organized a brunch and invited other blogger/designers for an opportunity to meet a designer who has been named one of the best in the USA. Before and after the event we Tweeted about it – Without social media I would have never had an opportunity like this.

 

3. The most recent story is that I tweeted about a very special gift that I received from Sarah McNeill [@koo_and_poppet], I made a blog entry showcasing the poppets that Sarah custom-made for our studio, I Facebooked/Tweeted about it and one of the editors at Style at Home magazine @MargotAustin read my Tweet, visited my blog and was so impressed with the poppets that the magazine is going to promote them in their December issue as one of the best gifts you can give this holiday season.  A great local product made it to one of the best magazines in the nation.

 

Iván: How global we are – We live on an island but social media opens doors for you all over the world. We recently started a project in LA and all the connections we have made have become very handy in our new project.

 

Iván: I would say that I spent around half an hour per day – between preparing blog entries, interviews, facebook and twitter comments.

 

Iván: If you don’t have social media you are kind-of toast – you can probably have a decent business and achieve your business goals but being part of social media is being part of our world today.  I know that it can sound cheesy, but it is true – at least in my own experience.

 

Iván: We have been working on a great new Website which will make our company more interactive with our followers and fans, showcase our work and promote our services in the most unique way.  Stay tuned! We are always reinventing ourselves. 

Thanks for taking the time to speak with us Iván. Congratulations on your success and best wishes for more of the same. 

Iván can be found on Twitter as @MEADE_DESIGN

If you would like to propose a company to be featured in our "Social Media Success Stories" please contact me or leave a comment below.