It's been a couple of years since we launched PitchEngine, and people still ask me what exactly it is and what it can do for them. Truth is, we were asking similar questions as the platform, our users and social media continued to take shape. It's been such a cool thing - listening, watching and tailoring the application around the feedback. What did we learn and where does it fit? I think it's very telling about what lies ahead for you, the "social media veterans." Check this out:

Learn
As our business grew, we were surprised by what we saw. While it was exciting to see large, recognizable brands signing on, it was the small businesses that flocked in big numbers. We quickly realized that PitchEngine was about more than press releases - traditional, social or new. For us, PitchEngine has come to represent the need for brands to create better content. To be their own publishers. Some would argue that a blog or a website is where content should live exclusively, but I disagree. For most brands, their websites and blogs are on an island. They struggle to get people to come there, either through search engine optimization or social media. It's a big bite to swallow for businesses, especially small and mid sized ones. They understand how to connect with custoimers and tell their stories - they don't all understand how to blog.

I have a feeling that we're about to define a new space - one that exists for users already engaged with their customers on Facebook, Twitter and other networks.

After Facebook and Twitter
Today, most savvy businesses are using social platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Yelp and Foursquare to connect with their customers. But, for most, that's the extent of it. Now, they need content - news, promotions and just good media to share with their friends, fans and followers. Businesses now have a captive audience. They "own" this audience, as opposed to "renting" it from traditional media outlets like newspaper, television or even blogs. Now, there are almost unlimited opportunities for touch-points with customers. It's the "what's next" for brands who want to provide their audience more value.

By keeping an eye and ear on our users, we've seen businesses of all sizes become their own brand journalists and publishers. It's the next logical step in the evolution of social media.

We are hearing incredible, inspiring stories almost daily now and that's got us all giddy here at PitchEngine. Small businesses making big waves and sharing what they're passionate about. It's the "Thank You Economy" personified (hat tip to Gary Vaynerchuk). Businesses are doing it on their own. A friendly smile and a great product count for something, once again.

Thank you all for shaping a new path. I'll be listening.

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