When social media first began, it was all about blogging sites and MySpace. Soon, the birth of Facebook brought with it a sea change that revolutionized the way individuals used social media sites. Over the last decade, social media marketing has transformed the way that companies do business and interact with customers and potential customers.
It has taken quite a long time for many business owners to recognize that a social media site can be used effectively for promoting the company brand. When used properly, the power of social networking sites can quickly generate a plethora of new business while increasing the company's productivity.
An Increase in Productivity
Research indicates that companies that utilize social media marketing tools boost their level of productivity far beyond companies that do not. Many businesses utilize social media marketing tools to effectively advertise the services and products they provide. Many online users turn to Twitter and Facebook accounts of companies instead of calling one 800 numbers to discuss issues with customer service representatives.
A Two-Way Street
Social media marketing has allowed the consumer to gain more power over the company's a provide services and products. They do this by venting their frustration onlin
e using social media. In the open platform, businesses are more likely to handle issues with the services and products they provide in a timely and professional manner, openly on a social media site for everyone to see.
While at first blush this might appear to be a negative for the company, in fact the opposite is true. The quick and positive responsiveness of the company on an open public forum including Twitter and Facebook, and finding a quick remedy to a customer problem shows everyone looking that the company cares about the consumer along with the products or services they sell.
Other Valuable Content
Companies that tend to have low levels of success using social media marketing strategies are those that simply want to use social sites for promoting the company. By continually bombarding their social accounts with “buy now” advertisements endlessly, tend to turn off the audience, and have them stop participating.
Alternatively, successful businesses that use proven social media marketing strategies often blend in other valuable content to the blogging site, Facebook, and Twitter page. They provide essential information about things that are pertinent to their targeted audience, whether or not it results in a sale, or is even about anything the company offers.
They understand that the social networking sites are all about being social. They see the value in adding content, with links to sites not owned by them. This builds a significant trust with their customer base, and enhances their reputation as being an expert in a variety of fields.
Taking Criticism
One of the most effective social media marketing strategies is to use the websites to obtain valuable feedback from potential customers and existing customers. By using the blog is an online form, the company can listen to the opinions, ideas, and complaints of their customer base, and respond quickly to their needs and desires. This helps the business remains successful in the long run.
Related articles from around the web:
Related searches: Social Media Marketing, Social Networking Sites, Facebook, Social Media, Social Media Marketing Tools, Marketing Strategies, Twitter, Twitter, Facebook, Social media, Business, Social media marketing, MySpace, Social networking service, Marketing,
Image credits:
Social Media Marketing Hub and Spoke Infographic (Photo credit: DigitalRalph)
social media webinar first slide (Photo credit: ConstructionDealMkting)
Don't Make These Mistakes With Your Social Media Marketing
It's very easy to get involved in social media marketing. After all, using the sites is free, and most people are familiar with the sites because they use them personally. In fact, social media marketing is a great way to communicate with customers, because most people belong to at least one social media site. However, […]
Promoting Your Brand Thanks Social Media Marketing
Do you use social media to promote your brand? You should think about launching a social media marketing campaign to make your brand more accessible. If you need help with this new campaign, you should review the following article. Learn more about your audience and their relation to social media. Some target groups are not […]
The Importance Of Social Media Marketing
No matter which way you look, there is someone taking advantage of social media marketing. It started with Myspace in the 90's, and eventually it evolved into Facebook, the social network that would go on to define the world. There have been a few intermediate social networks, such as MyYearbook.com, though these never actually made […]
How To Market Your Small Business With Facebook
Facebook is by far the most popular social media site out there. A movie has even been made about the founder. That is why it is a perfect place for you to market your business and interact with your customers. However, it can be a challenge to interest people when your page first goes live. […]