“Social media marketing will be the next big opportunity to massively grow your business on a level playing field for all”
So what the heck is social media marketing? Social media marketing, while still in its infancy, has the potential to be the most viral, powerful, and compelling form of advertising ever created. That said, it also has the potential to be the most destructive. Because it’s relatively new, especially when it comes to marketing, it’s also littered with a lot of landmines that need to be navigated with caution. So let’s get back to what it is. Social media marketing is:
“Social media marketing is the application of Internet-based social media methods to connect and engage users with products, organizations, and ideas.”
To refine it a little more: Social Network Marketing is the use of Internet network media such as YouTube, MySpace, Facebook, forums, etc. and its resulting techniques of engaging the user. A classic example of social media marketing is American Idol, in which viewers not only watch the show, but also send text messages and participate in online dialogues, websites, and business surveys, etc.
Social marketing is rapidly expanding its reach in the market and especially on the Internet. This new form of marketing will provide a flood of opportunities for companies that know how to use the multitude of tactics available today.
The main advantage of all the hype around this new medium is that no matter what your budget or size, the playing field is level. No longer only large companies will be able to dominate the landscape. Everyone who wants to participate and get exposure has the same opportunities. This new advertising platform will be limited only by one’s creativity, not one’s pocket. Some of the most viral hype is likely to come from some of the most unsuspecting places… you and me.
It should come as no surprise that social marketing is taking the internet by storm. Every day, new and old companies find success with this new form of advertising. But it’s not your traditional form of advertising; in fact, many would say that it is not advertising at all. This new form of communication or viral marketing is in fashion and it should be. The opportunities are endless. The territory is new. The possibilities are limited only by your own imagination. Creativity is king along with content. Gone are the days of posting an ad that said “buy me.” Current advertising does everything but sell. Provides critical information or experience that the audience wants, needs, and feels compelled by; but not forced to buy. Gone are the days of hitting the target market over the head with 2 for 4 and saying this is the best thing since sliced bread. The new reality is that it may be the way the message is delivered. Entertainment and the value of information are the new kings of the new social networks. You can accept it or ignore it, but ignoring it will certainly leave a huge gap in your communication with your customer. Our likes and dislikes are changing rapidly and those who tailor their advertising to pierce that laser-targeted traffic will be the long-term winners in this emerging growth market. What worked last year is not working this year, so change is the mandate for success. Either you change or you die.