Marketing on social networks, will it deliver results for my business?
It's clear that social media has grown dramatically in recent years and that with more than 800 million active users, the number of Facebook users is easily more than double the size of the entire population of the United States!
Its growth has been astronomical and today millions of people post more personal and business information online than ever. It's happening at lightning speed with thousands of posts, tweets, and uploads every hour.
Recent research by the Australian Interactive Media Industry Association (AIMIA) commissioned by Sensis Pty Ltd (May 2011, p. 10) indicates that "62% of Australian Internet users use a variety of networking sites social, and many visit every day and at least a few times a week. " Not surprisingly, with the millions of potential customers around the world using these sites, every day, so many companies have decided to include social media marketing in their marketing mix. However, it is also important to understand how these sites are used and what it means to maintain or resource your commercial presence on these sites. Your online footprint can be maintained for a long time, so don't underestimate how this can affect your brand perception in the market. Spend some time up front thinking about whether social media is right for your social media engagement and posting management work.
1. Seek First to Understand: It is very important that you understand the basics of how social media really works and how it is used. What are people and companies doing with social networks? What works for you? Some of you may be thinking, how do I do this? Maybe you could consider trying it out yourself by setting up a personal account, then trying out some of the features, or get a trusted friend to show you around and guide you. Alternatively, there are so many online "how-to" resources and articles on social media that you could do a Google or YouTube search on a particular topic of interest and watch the video tutorials for information.
2. Understand your purpose: What is your purpose for using social media? What do you hope to achieve for your business by using it? It is really important that you identify your purpose for engaging in social media (or any other marketing activity). You need to know why you participate. What do you hope to achieve? Do you simply want to create brand awareness, interact with your customers, or identify new sales opportunities? Remember to be realistic about what you think you can achieve.
3. If you decide to participate in social media, which sites are best for you? - With the large number of social networking sites available, which are the best for your business? Think about where your target audience would socialize online and think about the amount of time and resources you could really commit to maintaining and managing your site's presence. Which ones are right for you? You may find that some fit better than others.
4. Quality content: If you decide that social media is right for your business, carefully consider the quantity and quality of information you want to share in the online sphere. Remember that you will probably stay there for a long time, so you need to make sure that you have accurate and reliable information that is valuable to your target audience. It has to be relevant, otherwise people won't read it.
There are a host of reasons to get involved in the social media community, including:
It is profitable. Many accounts on various social networking sites are free to set up.
Huge global audience.
It allows you to receive real-time feedback and communicate with customers in real time.
Provides your business with an additional marketing channel to increase awareness of your product, brand or organization.
However, social networks present some obstacles for companies that must be measured:
Time and resources: You must be willing to spend the time necessary to create fresh new content. Therefore, it is important to consider whether you have the time and resources to effectively manage your presence on social media.
Handing over brand control: You transfer part of the control of your marketing efforts and effectively your brand to your target audience. They will have the ability to comment on posts or other content and must be prepared to receive positive and negative comments. However, even if you are not managing a c
It's clear that social media has grown dramatically in recent years and that with more than 800 million active users, the number of Facebook users is easily more than double the size of the entire population of the United States!
Its growth has been astronomical and today millions of people post more personal and business information online than ever. It's happening at lightning speed with thousands of posts, tweets, and uploads every hour.
Recent research by the Australian Interactive Media Industry Association (AIMIA) commissioned by Sensis Pty Ltd (May 2011, p. 10) indicates that "62% of Australian Internet users use a variety of networking sites social, and many visit every day and at least a few times a week. " Not surprisingly, with the millions of potential customers around the world using these sites, every day, so many companies have decided to include social media marketing in their marketing mix. However, it is also important to understand how these sites are used and what it means to maintain or resource your commercial presence on these sites. Your online footprint can be maintained for a long time, so don't underestimate how this can affect your brand perception in the market. Spend some time up front thinking about whether social media is right for your social media engagement and posting management work.
1. Seek First to Understand: It is very important that you understand the basics of how social media really works and how it is used. What are people and companies doing with social networks? What works for you? Some of you may be thinking, how do I do this? Maybe you could consider trying it out yourself by setting up a personal account, then trying out some of the features, or get a trusted friend to show you around and guide you. Alternatively, there are so many online "how-to" resources and articles on social media that you could do a Google or YouTube search on a particular topic of interest and watch the video tutorials for information.
2. Understand your purpose: What is your purpose for using social media? What do you hope to achieve for your business by using it? It is really important that you identify your purpose for engaging in social media (or any other marketing activity). You need to know why you participate. What do you hope to achieve? Do you simply want to create brand awareness, interact with your customers, or identify new sales opportunities? Remember to be realistic about what you think you can achieve.
3. If you decide to participate in social media, which sites are best for you? - With the large number of social networking sites available, which are the best for your business? Think about where your target audience would socialize online and think about the amount of time and resources you could really commit to maintaining and managing your site's presence. Which ones are right for you? You may find that some fit better than others.
4. Quality content: If you decide that social media is right for your business, carefully consider the quantity and quality of information you want to share in the online sphere. Remember that you will probably stay there for a long time, so you need to make sure that you have accurate and reliable information that is valuable to your target audience. It has to be relevant, otherwise people won't read it.
There are a host of reasons to get involved in the social media community, including:
It is profitable. Many accounts on various social networking sites are free to set up.
Huge global audience.
It allows you to receive real-time feedback and communicate with customers in real time.
Provides your business with an additional marketing channel to increase awareness of your product, brand or organization.
However, social networks present some obstacles for companies that must be measured:
Time and resources: You must be willing to spend the time necessary to create fresh new content. Therefore, it is important to consider whether you have the time and resources to effectively manage your presence on social media.
Handing over brand control: You transfer part of the control of your marketing efforts and effectively your brand to your target audience. They will have the ability to comment on posts or other content and must be prepared to receive positive and negative comments. However, even if you are not managing a c
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