We often speak of promoting brands or products through social media, but in this case, the image – one of glitz, glamour, and makeup – shines through, climbing to the top of charts.

Advertising Age documents Lady Gaga’s quick rise to fame in “Gaga, Oooh La La: Why the Lady Is the Ultimate Social Climber,” noting her 2.8 million Twitter followers and 5.2 Facebook fans. She has achieved as many milestones as in 18 months as her counterpart and idol Madonna did in 10 years: her own make-up line, Virgin Mobile-sponsored headlining tour, and a spot as Polaroid’s creative director. This in addition to 20 million digital downloads and 8 million albums sold. Clearly, she’s doing something right, and the magic lies in debuting videos on her web site and riding the viral wave of YouTube and Twitter. Like Lady Gaga, working to share and interact with your fans can pay off big time.

Sam Hartman, March 9, 2010

Note: Post not sponsored.