Social Media

Social MediaOne of the most important elements of communicating with students is being well-versed in how they’re communicating.

In recent years, social media has grown from a niche communication channel to a powerful marketing tool – and an undeniable part of campus life. An early pioneer in the social sphere, Barnes & Noble today maintains more than 500 campus bookseller Facebook pages and even recently integrated them with e-commerce to create a superior social shopping experience.

Using Facebook, a daily presence in student lives, we’re delivering timely and targeted information about promotions, special events and programs that drive traffic and increase sales. And from study tips to interviews with celebrities, we keep our students amused, informed and engaged with Twitter. Last year we “tweeted” nearly 2000 messages to students.

 

  • Facebook

    Facebook Top Fan SweepstakesWe continue to drive social media innovation, like with our Top Fan Sweepstakes contest on Facebook where students were asked to “like” us on Facebook for a chance to win $1000 towards textbooks.

    Twitter

    Barnes & Noble College recently held a Twitterview (a real-time interview via Twitter) with the charming and debonaire ’007′ Sir Roger Moore. The actor was promoting his new book, Bond On Bond: Reflections on 50 years of James Bond Movies.

    Foursquare

    FoursquareWe partnered with Havaianas for its first-ever FoursquareTM promotion. Students who purchased a pair of Havaianas flip-flops and “checked-in” at the bookstore got a free USB drive, while supplies lasted.

    In-Store Promotions

    Grammy and Emmy award-winning singer/actress Olivia Newton-John added author to her list of titles with her cookbook, LivWise: Easy Recipes for a Happy, Healthy Life, which she promoted at the Barnes & Noble at 18th Street. Fans lined up for hours before the event for a chance to meet the star.

    Monday Morning Money Back

    Monday Morning Money BackOur popular Monday Morning Money Back program helps generate traffic and sales by offering fans a discount on winning team gear. Heavily promoted via email and the bookstore website, if a school’s team wins, the following Monday team gear is available at a discount equal to the point spread – up to 20 percent.

    Excellence in Overtime

    Excellence in OvertimeAfter barely making the 2011 NCAA men’s basketball tournament, Virginia Commonwealth University rammed its way through to the Final Four – creating an unprecedented demand for VCU and NCAA tournament gear. We had the infrastructure in place to produce large supplies of VCU Final Four merchandise on a moment’s notice, resulting in over $1.3 million in March Madness merchandise sold at VCU’s Barnes & Noble bookstore.