As we move into 2008, the pundits across the net in marketing predict increased ads online, they continue to talk up the women's market, and they are embracing the blogosphere.
This is all good news, of course. It speaks to the changing nature of marketing in a social atmosphere like blogs. Blogs are just another name for social media - and although social media encompasses blogs, it isn't only about blogs. Still, for our purposes, let's talk blogs and Moms. Why Moms? Because according to BSM Media, Moms spend "$2.1 trillion annually and control 85% of household spending." 
This article from MediaPost's Marketing Daily, "Six Months With Millions of Moms" goes on to say moms are into social media big time. It's our way of connecting to each other across the vast reaches of the U.S. or even across oceans, to countries outside of the U.S. I know I keep a finger on my daughter in Colorado by reading her blog. When she doesn't update it - I get suspicous about what's keeping her so busy.
The article above also talks about lessons learned. Such as: "Moms are in control." This means - use the lip-sticking principle. Don't say anything with your lips (or your advertising) that you (a) don't mean; or (b) can't back up. Moms will find out - by asking other Moms.
They also say "Moms want better packaging." I'm not sure why this is "news"... of course we want better packaging. We've been going "green" for ages! Now that we have award winning sites like The Big Green Purse, we are connected and in the know about things like the environment and the whole recycling issue. We are definitely watching - and reading labels.
Over at the Lucid Marketing "Marketing to Moms" blog, my friend Kevin has partnered with social networking site OpMom where the content is rich and valuable to anyone wanting to "discover" this enormous group of women, and to market to them. Kevin, of course, knows all about Moms - he's married to one, and he keeps himself in front of the Mom's market on a daily basis. Whenever I want Mom information, he's the first place I go.
Over at OpMom, I discovered (via the MomCircles link) a section for pet parents. I'm going to have to check that out in more detail. Especially the "sugar gliders"... hmmm...
All in all, if you're not looking at the Moms market with an eye on connecting and building word of mouth, you're missing an opportunity to go above and beyond your sales goals, in 2008. After all, what does the quarterback say to the TV reporter after they win the big game? It' s usually, "Hi, Mom!"
Hi Anita, you are very much on track. We need to do the give and take thing on a regular basis. Moms or not Moms.
Jen, nice to meet you. I like your blog. Am happy to add your link here.
Posted by: Yvonne DiVita | January 17, 2008 at 04:03 PM
Yvonne,
This is supposed to be an email. However, I am in the dark ages and don't have microsoft word at home. Therefore, I am sending you a fake comment. Apologies. I just commented on your site and I was thinking you would be a good link on my website. I would love for you to do the same on your site. I am a television news anchor in Illinois. You can see my credentials at www.hoinews.com My website is www.newsanchormom.com. My email is newsanchormom [at] gmail [dot] com.
Thanks!
Jen Christensen
Posted by: Jen Christensen | January 16, 2008 at 10:37 AM
This article really made me smile this morning. I just started a news website for moms and I was "guessing" moms would be a big target this year based on what I have heard. I am a T.V. anchor and I am posting all my mommy stories at www.newsanchormom.com. We launched the site a week and half ago and it's getting a good response. I would love to hear your thoughts!
Posted by: NewsAnchorMom | January 16, 2008 at 09:51 AM
Useful / interesting post.
Being a single man, it is easy to forget / not think about these things.
Thanks, Eamon
Posted by: Eamon | January 05, 2008 at 02:57 PM
This is such a good reminder that when we try and exclude anyone -- whether they're moms or minorities or little green people -- then we not only do them a great disservice, but end up hurting outselves. It's only when we reach out and let everyone tell their story and be a part of the story that our lives are so enriched.
Anita Bruzzese
www.45things.com
Posted by: Anita Bruzzese | January 03, 2008 at 04:56 PM