Anonymity is no longer an option

The effectiveness of earned versus paid space, especially on Facebook, is hot topic in PR.  So, today I decided to click on a Facebook banner advertisement. It took me to a flog. No profile information from the author, no previous entries and an unusual amount of positive feedback on the day of the post. I tried leaving a comment… my browser crashed.

Being one of two interns on FH New York’s Digital team, I spend a lot of time online searching for key influencers.  Most often, this time is spent in the blogosphere.  Since contact information is essential for outreach, looking to a blogger’s profile is one of the first things I do.  It’s developed into a habit, whether searching blogs for work or leisure.  In a way, it has become a benchmark for credibility.

More recently, I’ve noticed that I’m much more critical of information coming from anonymous sources. In fact, unless the topic of conversation is celebrity gossip, I often skim right over them.  Don’t get me wrong, the proof is in the pudding, and content wins above all else.  However, even ambiguous descriptions and locations are great for giving some sort of context.  In a space where building a sense of community is necessary, complete anonymity is no longer an option.

Yelp, I can find it

Whether you’re looking for a bakery, ice cream parlor or bike rental kiosk, Yelp can help. 

For those of you who aren’t familiar with it, Yelp is “a user-generated database of customer reviews of local businesses, first launched in October 2004. Users rate and leave reviews for local businesses, participate in forums, and can generally get social around local businesses.” (TechCrunch, July 2008)

In other words, social media at it’s finest!

I only learned about the Web site a few months ago.  Being digitally aware, but less inclined to try every new thing, I didn’t pay much attention.  That has all changed since I moved to New York.  Now, I use it for everything.  I even used it to find the perfect Country dive-bar to take my dad to during his visit.  The bar, and Yelp, delivered.

Generally, I use Yelp at home to map out different destinations, then hit the road.  However, this is no longer necessary, if you’re a lucky owner of a new iPhone.  The free application is one of many that are taking social media to the next stage – mobility. 

How has Yelp helped you?