What or whom are you influenced by when you are looking for a new product? It might be commercials, television shows, or maybe if you are like millions of other people around the world, you are influenced by bloggers. Gone are the days when you only read ads in the Sunday newspaper, or watch commercials on the television. Today many of us are being swayed commercially by social media, the internet, and other digital mediums.

In fact, according to Marketing Charts.com, nearly 50% of blog readers say they purchase products mentioned in the blogs they read on a daily basis. That is quite powerful when you put it in perspective. So what about here locally? What kind of power and influence do bloggers, in particular mommy bloggers--tech savvy, create your own opportunity, kind of moms--have over the Capital City?

Nichole, a mommy blogger with inthesesmallmoments.com says she’s had readers share with her that they bought items she mentioned on her blog and goes on to say, "When I write about a product on my blog, it is a product that I believe in and use myself.” It is safe to say, that in general, readers of blogs trust the author’s insight and opinion and therefore those authors can and DO influence the purchasing habits of like-minded consumers.

Dr. Melissa Arca, author of Confessions of a Dr. Mom, uses her blog to provide helpful parenting tips and children’s health advice to her readers. Nikki Medoro, reporter for KFBK and mom extraordinaire, uses her blog, Mama On The Mic, to talk about the trials and triumphs of mommyhood, as well as the balancing act she faces as a working mom. Marketing professionals consider these moms to be key influencers of consumer purchases. Companies that typically turn to mom bloggers for advertising include toy makers, makers of children’s apparel and accessories, packaged food companies, and even car makers. This circle of women can help shape what kinds of products other mothers are buying and because of that influence, corporations are seeking the power of the mommy blogger to promote their products.

Business owners and marketers, don’t count these ladies out, as they are an integral segment of social media and when approached properly, can offer better results than many other marketing techniques out there.

If you are interested in learning more about this phenomenon, Social Media Club Sacramento (SMCSac) is hosting a mommy blogger panel discussion on July 12 from 6:30-9:00 pm at The Urban Hive in Sacramento. The panel, moderated by Meghan Phillips, principle and marketing director for The Honey Agency, features the bloggers from these popular blogs: Confessions of a Dr. Mom, From Dates to Diapers, Momma On The Mic, Raising CEO Kids, and Read Between the Limes. “While this discussion will certainly appeal to moms and parents,” explained Laura Good, executive director of SMCSac, “it will also be an informative session for businesses who have not yet tapped into the marketing potential of mommy blogger influence.” For more information on this free event, visit the event registration page, Social Media and Motherhood in Sacramento