Follow us on Facebook or Twitter
The way people do business today goes beyond just having a local store, or a company having a website. Most people are familiar with Facebook or twitter as a wonderful way to stay in touch with family and friends; but big corporations are also aware of the benefits that social media can bring to their stores. This is why we see several corporations asking their customers to follow them on Facebook or twitter. Some examples are: Barnes and Noble, Athleta, Victoria’s Secret, The Weather Channel, and CNN. Those are just a few of the many corporations that use social media to advertise. Maybe not everyone will follow those specific brands that I just mention, but think about your favorite team sport, or maybe the martial art school where you trained; when people feel passion over their sports team, I bet more than one will click “I like.” Just one click and the incoming traffic begin to flow. Social media connects people, but also is a great method to advertise one’s business. The amount of traffic social media can bring to a business is a must have for anyone who is thinking to advertise online. It is fast, easy, convenient and best of all Free.
The two main ideas to consider when advertising a business are the tools and the study of the markets. Marcus & Taylor (2011) explain, “The tools of marketing are public relations, publications, social media, brochures, Websites, and networking” (p.15). The study of market refers to demographics information, motivation for buying and social class among many others. It is important for a business as well as for a marketing company to set mutual expectations; clear and specific to avoid misunderstanding.
RSS and Facebook
Thanks to social networks, companies, artists, and business owners can see how many followers they have and the market that composes their business sector. Also, they can see the interest that people have and communicate in a way that is transparent. Campbell (2010) explains, “Blogs or websites should contain SEO, or search engine optimized, keywords and phrases that help visitors find the business when they search via Google, Yahoo, Bing, and others” (p. 76). When creating a website or a blog, RSS feeds are useful links to the blog. Campbell (2010) mentions that “RSS feeds allow you to import content from outside sources and are a great way to share information that visitors find interesting” (p.76). People who use search engines are searching for information, education, products, and entertainment. So depending on the blog that the person is trying to create, RSS is a great tool which allows one to syndicate any type of information that a blogger wants to use in their blog. For example, in Facebook one follow a newspaper and it update the latest news. If one has a blog with RSS, then in the blog the latest news will be updated.
Why would a company ever want to use social networks to advertise their business?
One reason is word of mouth advertisement. Referral business usually is the best, it is free! How many times does one see on a Facebook wall that a close friend likes a specific brand or restaurant? This causes those close to that person to go and check that out. Family members often mention something that they like to us, and then they invite us to like it as well. This simple sharing through facebook brings business owners potential customers and attention. It seems that word of mouth never fails. Another reason is fast, cheap, and has a considerable amount of traffic.
Carol H.
References
Campbell, D. (2010). WHAT'S YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA STRATEGY?. Black Enterprise, 41(4), 74-76.
Marcus, B. W., & Taylor, S. T. (2011). Building a Firm for Now and the Future. Of Counsel, 30(8), 12-17.
3 comments:
Carol, I agree facebook sure has been a great way to stay intouch with family friends, however, sometimes it does detour us not to talk to each other or write letters. I think we read messages and we forget about the very important part of communication that is more personable. I still enjoy visiting with my family via phone or even letters. Donna
Donna,
The point of my blog post was to emphasize why corporations are using social media platforms for marketing.
Personal use is another matter entirely... and I agree with you on that.
Carol, I reread your blog and did indeed notice that was the purpose of your blog was about how businesses are using this type social networking in gaining a bigger audience. Donna
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