Isha Edwards is an idea catalyst whose skills and experience enables her to implement a brand-driven approach to establishing, operating, and growing a business.
Just like 30 is the new 40, social media (SM) is the new word-of-mouth. While studies show that social networks such as MySpace and Facebook are nothing more than fleeting fads (MySpace is a witness), supporters and critics alike agree that social media is here to stay.
In addition to creating low entry barriers, SM puts retailers in direct contact with buyers in what is now a global marketplace. Even if consumers are not buying, SM enables retailers to be actively asking. For several reasons, this is healthy:
1. Retailers are forced to become personal again (automation almost made the art of personalizing extinct)
2. Marketers are forced to further differentiate brands
3. Marketing budgets are reduced to realistic norms
4. Essential communication skills are exercised
Yes, gone are the days of thousand and million-dollar marketing budgets used to garner celebrity endorsements, a ten second ad, major donors or some other exclusive in the name of convincing consumers to buy. Economic conditions have made consumers “freelingly” frugal so marketers have to do a little more with a whole lot less without skimping on flair and style.
Since, social media is the most inexpensive way for any business to engage and impress consumers and even investors or exchange value in the marketplace; it makes sense to use social media to streamline marketing-communications efforts.
With that said, here are eight tips that make social media easy:
• Choose social networking platforms whose target audience relates to your product in this order: primary, secondary, and alternate target market.
• Know consumer needs and wants then work to meet both through meaningful dialogue.
• Use SEO to choose words that attract prospects to your business or product.
• Be resourceful. It is an invitation for conversation.
• Use the right tone with “fans” and “followers”: formal, semi-formal, casual.
• Use good judgment: Conflicts are best resolved one-on-one and before they escalate.
• Be proactive instead of reactive.
• Evaluate your response rate. If warranted, switch social media platforms.
