Drive by posting the strangest thing I've ever seen
It can be referred to as hit and run posting, when we think of hit and run our vision usually goes to that instance of a vehicle collision. Where the vehicle doesn't stop but speeds away without ascertaining whether there has been injury or damage.
Drive by posting then, is when somebody posts an article, comment, or social media post and then flits away without supporting or engaging with that content.
You can about guarantee that the content will, have a link to either an offer or some sales promotion/platform.
Does it work, does it result in conversions?
Much online can come down to running the numbers, the strategy seems to be throw enough of it at the wall, and some of it will stick.
That seems to be a somewhat arbitrary process, and from observation, the content usually is out of place or non relevant to the platform or conversation thread where it has been placed.
Here inside Wealthy Affiliate, we see examples of this occurrence regularly. The prime example that springs to mind are the posts usually well written with links to an essay writing platform, or similar, posted by a new member without a profile or that all too familiar generic, bio image.
The thing is that they just post and go, I mean would you purchase off of this guy or gal.
I rest my case!
Some folks are not taught the right strategies when it comes to content promotion and marketing.That is a huge plus here in Wealthy Affiliate , better to learn a legitimate way to create, promote, and market content.
Definitely pays dividends long term.
Drive by commenting can take things to a whole new level. I observed a conversation in a Facebook group, in the fishing niche, when you get folks that are into a niche they kind of have their own language and expressions.
The conversation is flowing, and someone turns up and just starts a totally different irrelevant conversation.
You guessed right with a link in the comment.
So does this hit and run style of marketing work?
Like I said, the strangest thing I have seen in a while, does it work I don't think so, I may stand corrected, it may work very well, would like to know your thoughts.
I am reminded of what a mentor said to me, starting out.
" Never underestimate the sophistication of your audiences."
I guess we are all connected these days, in this mobile world, and can kind of see when someone is trying their luck or old school " trying to pull the wool over our eyes ".
Recent Comments
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It’s certainly the lowest form of marketing but as you mentioned- if you throw enough of it about then somebody will click. I’ve seen a number of examples here on WA where free members either drop links or blatantly ask for money in posts.
I personally think free members should have all postings audited before approval to stop it happening here.
On places like FB you just have to recognise it and move on
Hi Dave, thank you for joining the conversation and sharing your thoughts.
I think that is the strategy that these folks operate on, send enough post enough someone has to click, a kind of hollow victory to a degree.
It seems to come in waves, and I guess that some are just following class instruction, hence my thought that some folks are taught the wrong way.
I think that it would be hard to implement something like you suggest fortunately we are not overwhelmed by it, good suggestion though.
Alex
I've seen the link dropping on Fb as well Alex and I always laugh as I know the people enjoying the conversation will hit delete on it and the spammer will miss out- how sad too bad-silly move.
Interacting in a comment is so valuable as people often learn a lot from scrolling through comments on a blog
I know I often learn real nuggets, gold ones too:)
Thanks, Alex
Vicki
Hi Vicki, thank you for sharing, with Facebook I hear folks blaming the platform, many times it can be fellow users that are reacting and like all algorithms, they act independently.
Some things are priceless.
I have to agree that interaction is where the gold is, we can learn so much from that engagement and also by placing value others notice as well, the online world is relatively small.
I kind of think that by missing out on that chance to enage we miss a lot of opportunities.
Alex
This kind of thing usually devolves into a meaningless unsupported rambling message. I wouldn't waste my marketing time or dollar on it, Alex!
Straight to the point, Mike, I take it you are in the affirmative camp in that Hit and run marketing is a waste of time.
Having knowledge and experience can set us apart, the thing is that this kind of marketing has been around for a while and continues to draw people in on their way to the online marketing exit door.
Thank you for sharingMike.
Alex
I hope I can learn to drive intently either by posting or by commenting. I have to put more emotions, feelings that elicit other's feeling and judgement-maybe that's engaging.
Hi Jimmy, on the engagement front, I think it is a work in progress for many and no two days are the same out in the content trenches, what works today may not tomorrow or next week for that matter.
It can be a case of continually tweaking what we are creating, headlines have and continue to be my nemesis.
Becoming aware of and applying the best practices can be the thing that helps us to achieve.
best wishes out on the content trail, Jimmy.
Alex
Hi Darren, thanks for dropping by, just some thoughts and reflections, some days you can be left scratching your head as to the motivation and strategies of some folks.
Alex
Sadly, most of this type of blogging is associated with scamming. I always feel something is wrong when a blog appears with no profile picture, no information or description on who they are , and yet a link or two will appear in the blog. I consider this spamming and refuse to click on the link. Inevitably I will report it as spam. Jim
Hi Jim, when it comes to sales, trust and mutual respect go along way to creating good results, where both parties benefit.
Some folks kind of don't get and battle away in vain.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts Jim, much appreciated.
Alex
You're exactly right! So many of these hit and run marketers stand out like a sore thumb. They don't spend enough time and effort trying to engage with potential customers, so they wind up looking like online used car salesmen.
People know when someone is being genuine with them and when someone is just trying to sell them something!
Janelle
Hi Janelle, I have to agree, I sometimes wonder if their marketing endeavors would be rewarded by sticking around and growing their engagement base.
So true, some marketers do come across as the quintessential, used car salesmen, fugitively speaking.
Most people do have that sense when things are just too good to be true.
Thank you for sharing Janelle, much appreciated.
Alex
Good question Alex.
My mind immediately went to shiny objects that flit across our screen. How many have you bought and wasted money on?
Me, definitely guilty.
Hi Peter, thank you for sharing your thoughts, I guess you have to have your line in the water with a hook on it if you want to catch a fish.
As to shiny objects, almost a right of passage, I would have to put my hand up and admit to being drawn in by shiny objects, in those early days.
As our knowledge and confidence grow the need for that instant potential gratification tends to fall by wayside as we focus on creating our own online presence.
Alex
Interesting prospect in relation to comments. Seems content and posting are on many minds today.
I am still learning online marketing, yet I have seen similar marketing in standard advertising so that the advertiser stands out. I asked a print advertiser why they would do this in newspapers and periodical mail marketing. They said it was done to stand out and seem normal yet professional enough to the audience they wished to target.
Not sure if I agree or disagree about that, but I understand the premises behind it.
Just another viewpoint to add.
Take care,
Bill
Hi Bill, we do not see too much of that caper here in WA where the ambiance is geared towards, making positive comments that are engaging.
In the wider internet, this is not always the case, people comment but have a wide range of agendas some that are not conducive to creating positive outcomes.
WA is such an amazing place, with folks from all around that world we get such a diverse range of viewpoints, sometimes there can be a vibe that sweeps across the internet like a wave.
That shock and awe approach is a timeless classic, in the offline world getting folks to stop and think, can be dollars in the bank.
In the online world, one of the things to guard against is to appear as being a random marketer doing random things in the hope of achieving a conversion or sale.
I think that we are always learning, no matter where we get to, tomorrow is another day with new stuff happening.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts Bill, much appreciated.
Alex
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Very interesting article Alex. With reference to the bios, when I first started here, someone pointed out that it is always good to sign your name to your comments here so people know who you are. I have gotten into that habit.
I always like to see the individual's name in their bio. That way you can respond to them using their name. Just a personal touch but I think it is important. Thanks again!
Mary Ann
Hi Mary Ann, thank you for joining the conversation, you have raised some really valid points. When we start out we are not really ready to step out from behind the curtain and to a degree that can be a confidence and commitment kind of thing.
When I start, I was a hay bale in a paddock, with the silliest user name in the world, once you cross that bridge, your whole journey can change, it is all about creating engagement and one of the best ways to do that is to, start using your name to sign off and also using the members name. I am in the same camp as you.
Alex
Thanks. Alex. Love your analogy - "hay bale in a paddock" but I know what you mean. We just pick a name and then down the road, we are saying "Why did I pick that name?" lol.
Mary Ann
Classic Mary Ann that was indeed the case, in my case, how we develop as we continue with the journey.
It's kind of fun to look back and say, "Was I really that green?!" Haha. Onward. Enjoy your day Alex.
Mary Ann