How 4-Stars Become $400: Turning Reviews to Sales

#sxsw #4to400

Iap21076

Reviews proliferate across the web - from purchase-based hubs, to collected aggregations of millions of products, to marketers' own websites. Consumers are talking about brands, about products, about what they love, and about what they hate. This Core Conversation explores how to harness the power of the consumer voice and translate it into sales from new customers, loyalty with the customers you already have, and overall relationship building with consumer feedback as the starting point. In a time where a customer opinion can make or break the state of a business, what are strategies and tactics to convert all the talk into purchases? What are the differences in earnings potential from consumer reviews versus editorial endorsements or paid advertising? Find out from successful marketing professionals who help facilitate the conversion and work with brands that are starting to explore and monetize the vast potential of online reviews. Never stop at 4 stars: #4to400

Presenters

Aydin Acar

CEO

Influenster

Aydin Acar
Co-Founder and CEO
Influenster, Inc.

Aydin Acar is the Co-Founder and CEO of Influenster, the free and unique digital community of consumers shaping the lifestyle marketplace through user-generated, expert opinion. In 2010, while working as a Research Director at GFK, Aydin came up with the concept for Influenster with his Co-Founder, Elizabeth Scherle. Influenster has become a data driven, efficient market research platform. Aydin is focused on core product evolution such as creating the ultimate hub for consumer reviews online.

Originally from Istanbul, Turkey, Aydin received his BA in Political Science at Hunter College before going on to receive a MA in Political Science and Masters of Survey Research from the University of Connecticut. Prior to Influenster and GFK, Aydin spent time as a political poller and research consultant. In addition to his work with Influenster, Aydin volunteers for Unleashed New York and the ASPCA. He has appeared recently on CNBC and other national media outlets discussing the power of consumer opinions to shape marketing.

Elizabeth Scherle

Co-Founder & CEO

Influenster

Elizabeth Scherle
Co-Founder and President
Influenster, Inc.

Elizabeth Scherle is the Co-Founder and President of Influenster, the free and unique digital community of consumers shaping the lifestyle marketplace through user-generated, expert opinion. Elizabeth and Co-Founder, Aydin Acar, created Influenster after coming to the realization that there was a distinct need for an efficient way for brands to collect targeted consumer feedback. As Co-Founder, Elizabeth leads sales efforts and client partnerships. Under her leadership, Influenster has grown from one test program in 2010 to over 2 million products distributed this past year.

Originally from Henderson, IA, Elizabeth received her B.A. in Marketing from the W.P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University. Upon graduation, she began to build national business partnerships from the ground up with Fortune 500 beauty, personal care and consumer packaged goods clients. In addition to her work with Influenster, Elizabeth volunteers for New York Cares, Boys Town, and the Somaly Mam Foundation, which provides financial support to house and educate girls who have been rescued from sexual slavery. Elizabeth has recently appeared on Bloomberg TV and CNBC to discuss harnessing the power of consumer voice to further marketing goals.