In the Web 2.0 world, buzz marketing has emerged as a valuable tool in selling products and driving targeted website traffic.

Also known viral marketing, buzz marketing was traditionally seen as the promotion method which jumped from person to person through recommendation and review. However, recent developments in internet technology have changed all that.

Buzz marketing can now be achieved through web dialogue, blog posts or social networking participation.

Research suggests that some of the best methods of online buzz marketing are microsites that have add hip value and appeal to a younger audience...online games, polls, and video clips.

The development of the Web 2.0 process means that users are now increasingly driving content and can voice their opinions through many online venues. Blogs, social networking websites and wikis all allow users to express their opinions without the fear of actually speaking person to person.

From a marketing point of view, this can be a double edged sword. Consumers will tout good products, good customer service, and overall good experiences. In fact, a consumer will tell three other people about a product or service if they like it. However, if you don't have a good product (or service), you slip on your customer service, or you provided an awful experience, a customer will tell eleven other people about it. Online, words get around fast and stays around for a long time.