Size matters. It really does. Just like the size of a company's email list has obvious importance to a brand, so does the distribution a brand has on Facebook or Twitter. Of course the quality of the userbase is of utmost importance. Having a large, engaged group of self-identified fans or followers on Facebook represents a highly valuable distribution channel. If you haven’t already, check out American Express on Facebook. They have nearly 2.3 million fans – people whom they can deliver customer service, notify about new offers and engage with on a recurring basis.
It's All About Sharing
When it comes down to it, social media is all about sharing, and if you don’t have followers you can’t share. The more people signing up to view your messages, the more likely you'll be able to effectively cultivate and profit from these relationships.
The medium is the message and the message is completely tied to the medium in social media. The two are inextricably linked. This isn't an issue of substituting technology in place of relevant brand messaging. Rather, social media has given brands and marketers an opportunity to position their products and messaging in a unique way. The best brands are doing a phenomenal job of seamlessly integrating the two. Facebook, the best and largest platform, is working tirelessly to empower brands in every way possible. Check out Facebook communities like Clinique, Starbucks, and Audi for examples of powerful social media promotion.
The "New Media"
Social media is a relatively new media. Traditional textbook marketing principles (the 4 P's, Porter's 5 Forces, etc.) are still the basis of brand marketing and hold significant weight today - as they should. However recent years have proven that certain traditional forms of marketing and advertising are giving way to this "new media". The magazine, newspaper and radio industries readily admit this. The best social-media marketers are expertly displaying the basics of marketing and their corporate goals within this "new media" with likes, hashtags or check-ins.
Most businesses (especially B2C businesses) can benefit from having a social media presence. It does take time, commitment and some skill to successfully promote your brand on social media. If it is done well you will see results, and it will provide a low cost and very effective way to engage with your target market.
The FInal Word
Get noticed with branded promotional products from Go Promotional.
Posted: Wednesday 16 November 2011
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