Social Media Marketing
Social media comprises many conversation oriented sites which allow users to network with friends, share information, and post audio/video media files. Some of the most popular social media sites include Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Flickr. By understanding the purpose of social media websites and engaging audiences where they congregate, businesses can market themselves to millions of viewers who might otherwise never see an advertisement.
The rules for social media marketing differ from those for traditional marketing. Traditional marketing tends to pitch a product or service, trying to capture a viewer's attention and get him to tune in to the message. The social media marketing approach requires fewer sales pitches and more conversations. Social media users gravitate toward sites like Facebook and Twitter because they can have dialogue about a topic without feeling as though they're watching an advertisement. They can ask for opinions about a business, product, or service and feel as though they're receiving objective comments from people who aren't trying to make a sale. In order to make the best use of this venue, businesses should engage potential customers in conversation on their terms.
To develop a successful social media marketing strategy, you'll need to set realistic expectations. You may not see an immediate jump in sales. You will, however, begin to build customer recognition and loyalty by allowing them to see your company as approachable and engaged in conversations that are taking place. By providing meaningful information to conversations that are already taking place, you can accomplish your goal of reaching new audiences with your message.
