Social media are basically interactive technologies which enable the generation or sharing/reaction/exchange of ideas, opinions, career objectives, and various forms of social expression through virtual communities and online networks. Social networking sites are a place where people from all walks of life to share what they know, with whom they have developed professional relationships, or with whom they are just sharing a common interest. Examples of these websites include MySpace, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Foursquare. These websites provide a great platform for business people and advertisers to engage and connect with their target audience and create brand awareness. Social media also help in creating a bridge between the digital and real worlds and helps to solve problems in a more meaningful way. Below are a few ways in which social media is beneficial to a business:
The social media allows for a safe and easy connection between two people who might not otherwise have been able to meet or talk. For example, when you post on your pinterest page you can easily leave comments or connect with friends and acquaintances. If the post is interesting and relevant, other people will start linking with you and your friends and this creates an environment where you can interact with like-minded people.
Social networks provide a platform for different kinds of businesses. For example, the internet is a great place to get cheap leads for your PPC or SEO efforts, connect with prospects and customers, exchange ideas and learn about new strategies and techniques, etc. Social media has opened new and exciting opportunities for marketers to promote their products and services to millions of people throughout the world. Hence, it makes sense for people involved in different kinds of businesses to use social media for effective marketing campaigns.
Social media sharing sites such as YouTube and Facebook allow you to share unique and interesting content with your friends. These videos are viewable by anyone and everyone in the world. You can easily create a video blog for showcasing your products and services in order to make your presence known and get feedback from people about what they think. You can also start promoting your business using different types of social media networks and share your content with your followers and fans.
LinkedIn is one of the most famous and popular networks on the internet. Many big companies have set up accounts on LinkedIn so that they can easily hire the best professionals for their businesses. Social networks such as Facebook and twitter are used to post news, updates, events, blogs, product releases and other useful information on different types of products and services related to your business. Although social networks have provided marketers a new way to reach out to their target audience, however, they are also linked to the dynamics of the global economy.
Flipboard is one of the largest newspapers on the planet. Although Flipboard is considered as a “land magazine” it is actually a social network that allows readers to share stories, thoughts, opinions, recipes, experiences and anything else that makes them feel like flipping through a magazine. Although Flipboard does not provide a news feed or feature any different types of videos, you can easily create a profile on this network in order to attract more visitors. Social networks such as MySpace, Twitter and Facebook are also used by many individuals and companies to promote their brand awareness and create visibility among their target audience. These are just few of the different types of networks that provide social marketers with an opportunity to market their business on the internet.
