Harley's Social Media Marketing

Web 2.0 refers to web applications that allow information sharing and collaboration on the World Wide Web. Users are allowed to interact as contributors to website content. The Social Media Marketing Strategy PowerPoint by Mary Lou Roberts, Slide #6, lists the following as some examples for “Web 2.0” social media:

• Blogs
• RSS
• Social Networks
• Personalized Search
• Wikis
• Podcasts
• Virtual Worlds

I was not at all surprised to see that the Harley Davidson website was taking advantage of interactive social media opportunities with the invitation to follow Harley-Davidson on Facebook, MySpace, YouTube, and Twitter. I also found a blog located under the Museum tab. There are blog entries about museum activities and events and comments related to the Harley-Davidson museum.

While checking things out further, I discovered another social opportunity for users to contribute to the website. In the Ride Planner section, visitors can plan their next adventure. Similar to driving directions on Mapquest, a Harley user can enter a trip starting point and destination point and receive a route map. Harley visitors can also share route plans with other riders. A recent contribution was called “Mike’s Twisty Ride from Oakville to Caledon.” (Wherever that is!)

Harley Davidson is keeping up with respect to social media marketing, and I’m guessing that many of their customers are pleased with the efforts. When Mike stops at a wayside rest because of motion sickness from the twisty roads, he can check for any Hog Twitter Updates and then tweet right back! According to Zarrella, p. 59, the most important aspect of a social network is two people connecting. Mission accomplished.