5 Steps to a Winning Social Media Marketing Plan

<div><br/> <p>What is the single most important action you can take to improve your chances of success in implementing a social media campaign? Create a well-researched and carefully thought out social media marketing plan, which lays the foundation for executing a winning social media campaign. Although there is no concrete roadmap to crafting an effective social media marketing plan, there are guideposts that can direct you along the way. The following 5 Steps provide the guidance you will need to develop a successful social media marketing plan.</p><p><b>Step 1: Establish Definitive and Measurable Goals</b>. Social media marketing goals include, improving brand awareness, search engine rankings, relevant site traffic, and conversions performance (e.g., sales for a product or service), as well as reputation management and engaging with consumers.</p><p>The challenge for some of these goals, such as engaging with consumers, is to make them specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and timely (<b>SMART</b>). In addition, objectives must be established for each type of social media platform in order to maximize results. The following are examples of SMART goals for four popular social media platforms: blogs, microblogs (Twitter), social networking sites, as well as image and video sharing sites:</p><p>Blogs:</p><p><ul><li>20% improvement in the ratio of posts to comments (i.e., visitor's comments/posts=conversions) within six months</li><br/><li>30% increase in total number of unique visitors within six months</li><br/><li>20% increase in average number of unique visitors within six months</li><br/><li>40% growth in total number of views within six months</li><br/><li>10% growth of RSS subscribers within six months</li><br/><li>5% growth of RSS feed requests within six months</li></ul></p><p>Microblogs (Twitter):</p><p><ul><li>20% growth in number of followers within 30 days</li><br/><li>30% growth in the number of retweets (message amplification) within 30 days</li><br/><li>10% increase in click-through-rate (CTR) of the links posted in tweets within 30 days (Hint: Observing which types of links garner the highest CTRs can help you tune your tweets to provide what your consumers with links they are interested in and, hence, further improve your CTR.)</li><br/><li>15% increase in visits to Web site from tweet links within 30 days</li><br/><li>10% growth in time on Web site from tweet links within 30 days</li><br/><li>5% increase in Web site conversions (e.g., sales) from tweet links within 30 days</li></ul></p><p>Social Networking Sites:</p><p><ul><li>20% growth in the number of friends within five months</li><br/><li>30% growth in the number of comments within five months</li><br/><li>40% growth in the number of posts and comments in discussion groups within five months</li><br/><li>20% increase in the ratio of comments on uploaded videos to number of videos uploaded within five months</li><br/><li>20% increase in the ratio of comments on photos uploaded to number of photos uploaded within five months</li><br/><li>30% growth in the number of comments left on profiles within five months</li><br/><li>50% growth in the number of questions answered or asked within five months</li></ul></p><p>Image and Video Sharing Sites:</p><p><ul><li>30% growth in the number of images or videos viewed within four months</li><br/><li>20% growth in the number of unique visitors within four months</li><br/><li>10% increase in the number of subscribers to your channel or stream within four months</li><br/><li>30% increase in the ratio of comments on images or videos to the number of images or videos uploaded within four months</li><br/><li>15% growth in the number of embedded links to your images or videos (i.e., links from other sites to your images or videos) within four months</li><br/><li>30% increase in average rankings of images or videos by viewers within four months</li></ul></p><p><strong>Step 2: Identify Your Target Market</strong> Who is your intended audience (target market)? Where do they hangout on the social Web? How do they participating on these social media platforms? Forrester Research's "Social Technographics Profile" enables you to use age, location, and gender to identify the type of activity people are engaged in on the social Web, such as create content, critique, collect, spectate, and so on. Depending on what they do, you can determine which social media platform they are likely to frequent. As an example, spectators are not likely to participate in social network like Facebook or LinkedIn, while they might watch YouTube videos and read blogs, but not comment on the posts.</p><p><strong>Step 3: Conduct a Competitive Analysis</strong>. What are the trends in social media (i.e., which platforms are growing, which are declining?). What needs are not being meet by your competitors? Who will be your main competitors? What are the best practices in social media marketing? Conduct a SWOT Analysis, identifying your company's strengths, weaknesses, along with the opportunities and threats in the marketplace and economy.</p><p><b>Step 4: Design innovative</b> <b>strategies</b>. Select the optimal social media platforms to reach your target market. Then, construct a specialized strategy for each social media platform to achieve the tailored goals for each platform. Each social media medium has distinctive features and means of communication. For example, a corporate blog strategy will differ markedly from the strategy you use to achieve your goals on social network like LinkedIn. In other words, a one-sized strategy doesn't fit all.</p><p>Hence, you must adjust the following 8 C's of the Social Media Marketing Mix for each social media platform. Here are some suggestions on how to accomplish this feat:</p><p><ul><li><b>Categorize </b>social media platforms by target market relevancy(i.e., the ones where your target audience resides)</li><br/><li><b>Comprehend </b>the "rules of the road" on the platform by listening and learning how to behave, successfully spark conversation, and engage and energize the participants</li><br/><li><b>Converse</b> by acknowledging and responding to other users of the platform, always remembering to be a contributor, not a promoter</li><br/><li><b>Collaborate </b>with platform members as a means of establishing a mutually beneficial relationships with the platform participants</li><br/><li><b>Contribute </b>contentto build your reputation and become a valued member, helping to build the community</li><br/><li><b>Connect </b>with the influencers, so you can enlist them to help shape opinions about your product or service</li><br/><li><strong>Community </strong>creation enables you to build discussion forums where consumers suggest ideas and receive customer support.</li><br/><li><b>Conversion</b> of strategy execution into desired outcomes (e.g., increased brand awareness, website traffic, sales, etc.)</li></ul></p><p><b>Step 5:</b> <b>Monitor, Measure, and Tune.</b> Accessing your progress, then tune your marketing plan based on the feedback to optimize goal achievement. <strong>Reevaluate and adjust</strong> your social media marketing plan to account for the ever changing nature of consumer tastes and the social Web. For example, if the number of viewers and subscribers to your blog are declining, you can adjust your content to more closely match your target market's interests. If the number of comments on your blog posts is declining, you can adjust your strategy by asking a question at the end of each post that inspires people to respond. In short, planning and executing a social media marketing campaign is a never ending cycle. You should constantly monitor and tune your strategies to maximize the impact of your campaign.</p><p>For more information and resources on planning social media marketing campaigns, be sure to visit my blog at <a href="http://www.socialmediamarketingresources.info/" rel="nofollow" target="_new">www.SocialMediaMarketingResources.info</a>.</p> </div><br/> <br/> <br/><br><a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?5-Steps-to-a-Winning-Social-Media-Marketing-Plan&id=4748691">Source</a> by <a href="http://ezinearticles.com/expert/Melissa_Barker/386475">Melissa Barker</a>

science social media social media marketing technology 5 Steps to a Winning Social Media Marketing Plan

What is the single most important action you can take to improve your chances of success in implementing a social media campaign? Creat...

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Spam and Social Media

<div><br/> <p>One thing that has really annoyed me over the past few months is the amount of spam I've been receiving via social media sites I'm a member of. I'm sure you know the sort of spam I mean, "Click here to earn a million dollars", "A friend of mine just found the secret to Internet marketing and you can too thanks to me", all that kind of rubbish.</p><p>Then there's the Twitter spammers, spamming Twitter with all sorts of offers, promising to increase your followers by a 1000%, and then when you're hooked, along comes the crunch, it'll only cost you $99:95 for this amazing strategy.</p><p>Then if you sign up for these fantastic once in a life time offers, you get suckered, they will never ever leave you alone again, everyday getting email after email offering amazing deals only available to you.</p><p>The reality of this, is that if a deal sounds to good to be true, it probably is and a lot of the testimonials used are fake, just there to get your money, so my advice to you is give them the big heave ho.</p><p>So what is the point of this article? I want to assure you that you don't need all of these quick paths to fame and fortune on social media, you'll achieve great results by providing good quality content and information by becoming a trusted adviser. There is no quick fix on this and the followers you will gain by using these spam sites is rubbish, so don't waste your money.</p><p>What you want to do with your social media network is generate referrals, and turn those referrals into business. Clients come from referrals and often those referrals originate from friendships we've made via social media sites, so there are ways to do it right and generate long term relationships via social media, not by spamming people. For example I've allowed my Twitter following to build organically and I get new followers every day, why, because I only Tweet when I've something to say, I always try and provide good quality information that is of use to them in business and I've never ever participated in spam.</p><p>So what are some of networking things you can do to avoid being considered a spammer and become a trusted adviser.</p><p><strong>Don't sell me before you get to know me </strong> - Build rapport and trust before trying to sell me your product.</p><p><strong>Don't spam your friends or followers</strong> - We don't like it, it's annoying and it just makes you not want to support your product or service.</p><p><strong>Don't play the numbers game</strong> - Allow your follower numbers to build organically by providing good content and networking, who cares about huge numbers of followers if they never connect with you. A small loyal band of supporters will do me thanks.</p><p><strong>Don't be a faker</strong> - We can all see through you, don't have a hidden agenda be honest and up front. If you are a fake, you'll go on my spam blacklist forever, no second chance here.</p><p><strong>Don't ignore people </strong>- It only takes a moment to communicate with your followers.</p><p><strong>Take time to get to know me</strong> - Spend some time with me and get to know me, then I'll be open to your product or service, but I don't want it rammed down my throat every second of every day.</p><p><strong>Treat me with respect </strong>- I'm here to follow you and get advice, give me some good staff and I'll think you're a guru.</p><p>OK, there endeth the lecture, so now I've got that off my chest I feel better, and hopefully given you some advice, particularly those of you who haven't yet got into social media but are thinking of starting your strategy.</p><p>Remember it takes time and effort to build loyalty and create friendships, there are no quick fixes not even by spam, but in the end,all your efforts will be worth it.</p> </div><br/> <br/> <br/><br><a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?Spam-and-Social-Media&id=3007518">Source</a> by <a href="http://ezinearticles.com/expert/Michael_Andrew/317193">Michael Andrew</a>

science social media social media marketing technology Spam and Social Media

One thing that has really annoyed me over the past few months is the amount of spam I've been receiving via social media sites I...

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5 Social Media Misconceptions

<div><br/> <p>Do Social Media sites have you stumped? In all actuality, they can be really easy to figure out once you've started messing around with them. Most business owners gather the wrong impression about social media and how to efficiently use social media sites to their advantage.<br></p><p>Like most things in life, the longer you wait to get started, the more complicated it can get. The sooner you try social media networking, the more ahead of the ballgame you'll be.<br/></p><p>Here are five reasons why you might have steered away from creating a social media account, but have no fear, I'm here to clarify!<br/></p><p><b>1. Blogging is a "tool."</b> Well, not exactly. Blogging is more of a business strategy. A blog can help a business merge all aspects of their online presence and business strategies, such as including links to social media sites like Facebook, YouTube and Twitter. All of these aspects are part of your marketing strategy and when linked together, it helps everything grow together.</p><p><b>2. Social Media Sites are all about numbers.</b> A lot of the time when seeking information about Facebook or Twitter, you will see people who are utterly happy with their 20,000 followers or 50,000 fans. However, those numbers don't mean a thing if those people aren't interacting with you or your business. The main reason to have an account on these sites is to build relationships and influence your consumers. It may help to spread the word about your business by having that many followers or fans, but to really build a business; you need one-on-one interaction with each person, or at least a small amount to begin with. It is best to try to follow people with the same interests in order to gain popularity for your business or products.</p><p><b>3. Automation means having to use tools.</b> Wrong. To successfully use automation means that with the followers or fans you've already received, they are most likely going to recommend your product or business to their friends and family. If you use tools to generate a huge number of followers and fans, you are less likely to gain personable popularity. You will most likely get other people trying to sell you things or even get a few spam accounts. If you can wait it out, have patience, and build a fan base by targeting specific consumers, you are much better off. Don't just use generating tools to add and keep adding people who would have no interest in your business.</p><p><b>4. You need to be everywhere on the web.</b> Most likely you've heard or read that you need to have an online presence with every social media account, one on Facebook, one on YouTube, one on Twitter, etc. Not necessarily. You need to determine where your customers are located? What are they doing and what is popular for them to use? More than likely you don't need accounts everywhere and can use just a few social media account. Pick a couple and work diligently with those and gain the targeted traffic you need.</p><p><b>5. Not gaining any ROI.</b> If you feel you are not gaining any ROI, then you may be under estimating or just doing something incorrectly. The computer company Dell has made over $6.5 million on Twitter. However, even small companies have had great results by using social media sites. To market your business through social media, you have to communicate your intentions appropriately to your fans or followers, otherwise it won't work.</p><p>You should always let your customers know what's going on and what you are all about. Also, ROI isn't all about money and profits, if you are aiming at increasing your newsletter subscriptions or sales leads, this should also be calculated into your ROI. Those leads can eventually be converted into your ROI as sales. Social media sites can be for gaining direct sales, but they are also really good leads that can turn into sales later.</p> </div><br/> <br/> <br/><br><a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?5-Social-Media-Misconceptions&id=4713750">Source</a> by <a href="http://ezinearticles.com/expert/Dawn_Pigoni/221569">Dawn Pigoni</a>

science social media social media marketing technology 5 Social Media Misconceptions

Do Social Media sites have you stumped? In all actuality, they can be really easy to figure out once you've started messing around ...

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7 Components of a Social Media Plan

<div><br/> <p>One of my favorite things to watch after a sporting event is the interview with the coaches.  Inevitably the losing coach talks about how they should have scored more points.  If the team just did... they would have won.  Well of course they would of won if they had more points than the other team.  That is the point of playing.</p><p>The reason for the loss is typically the failure to execute the plan.  Whatever it may have been.</p><p>Your business needs a plan if it is going to use social media.  Without one you will have wasted effort and if it were a sport you will not score.</p><p><blockquote><em>Any idea, plan, or purpose may be place in the mind through repetition of thought.</em> - Napoleon Hill</blockquote></p><p><strong>Components of A Social Media Plan</strong></p><p>The jury is still deliberating on what form the social media plan should be.  Should it be a marketing plan?  Should it be a customer service plan?  Is it a sales plan?  Or is a social media plan really a networking plan?  How about a combination?</p><p>If you search the Internet far and wide you will find a number of answers. Right now not a single one of them is in the wrong. So the correct answer for your business is to have a social media plan that meets your desired goals.</p><p><strong><em>Goals</em></strong></p><p>The first component of your social media plan is to have stated goals. How are you going to keep score and know that you are on the right path? Whatever your goal is, it must align with the goals of your business. Otherwise you will not be achieving anything of value.</p><p><strong><em>Engagement</em></strong></p><p>The second component is defining how you are going to interact in the social media realm. Will you be self-serving (not really wise), conversational, providing free help, or simply commenting? Whatever your interaction will be it has to match the persona for your business.</p><p><strong><em>Time</em></strong></p><p>Third component of your social media plan is when do you plan to engage. You have probably heard that time can be wasted in social media. That may even be a large worry for you. Determining the best time to be online needs to be a part of your plan. This means that you need to know when your audience is on and what the rhythm of the conversation is. This does not mean you will have scripted conversation, but you will be active when your desired audience will be listening.</p><p><strong><em>Promotion</em></strong></p><p>The fourth component is to know when and where to promote specials or sales for your business. Not every platform is suited for specials. Depending where you promote your specials/sales, you better have the ability to meet the demands that your efforts can make. One key thing to remember is that when you promote these specials/sales it is best to do it in a conversation. Just shouting it out may attract some visitors but might not be the real clients you want.</p><p><strong><em>Assignment</em></strong></p><p>The fifth component is to assign who will execute your social media plan. There are some schools of thought that should be assigned to marketing or outsourced. The latter is definitely not a wise thing to do and the traditional departments just don't meet the holy grail of social media: engagement. This is where your business can really blaze a trail. The most successful businesses that have been using social media have had non-traditional roles lead the conversation. Example: Ford had its mechanics tweet and Starbucks has its key customer relationship experts, the barista, lead the conversation. Who would your customers really like to hear from?</p><p><strong><em>Interest</em></strong></p><p>The measurement of interest is the sixth component of your social media plan. Think of this as your milestones to measure progress towards your goals. Measurement of interest is not just seeing who carries your message, but also about how many people actually talk about your market, products, competition, and other items that affect your business. Your plan needs to discuss how this will be measured and what that data means. Key point: this is an active listening process.</p><p><strong><em>Develop Conversation</em></strong></p><p>One fear businesses have about using social media is a lack of control. Can people post stupid things? Sure enough. Just like someone can walk into your physical location and make a stupid comment, there is no difference. I am talking about a free-for-all approach, but you should not be so draconian that it shuts conversation completely down. Your social media plan should develop conversation with your business, other customers, and anyone else who is interested in your market. By generating this conversation you will learn things you never knew about you, your competition, and your market.</p><p><blockquote><em>A good plan... executed now is better than a perfect plan executed next week.</em> - George S. Patton</blockquote></p><p><strong>Execution</strong></p><p>No matter what your social media plan is going to be, you need to execute it.  Tweek what does not work and allow for team to execute the best they know how.   Failure to execute always fails 100%.</p><p>So if social media were a sporting event and you are the coach, what would your interview be at the end of the match?  Would you be talking about just needing to score, "a few more points" or will you be discussing how execution of your plan, although not perfect, kicked the other team's....?</p><p>If you have a plan and you execute it for your business you will G.E.T. P.A.I.D.</p><p><strong><em>What components would you add to your social media plan?</em></strong></p> </div><br/> <br/> <br/><br><a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?7-Components-of-a-Social-Media-Plan&id=4494894">Source</a> by <a href="http://ezinearticles.com/expert/Erroin_Martin/203455">Erroin Martin</a>

science social media social media marketing technology 7 Components of a Social Media Plan

One of my favorite things to watch after a sporting event is the interview with the coaches.  Inevitably the losing coach talks about h...

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Social Media: Does Social Media Discourage Free Speech?

<div><br/> <p>When one uses social media, they can either send a 'friend' a message or they can share something on their wall. And as to what approach they take can all depend on what they want to talk about.</p><p>For example, if one has something personal to talk about, they may decide to send a private message. If, on the other hand, they have something impersonal to talk about, they might end up sharing it on their wall.</p><p>Two Sides</p><p>When one has something personal to share, it could relate to what has been taking place in a relationship or the state of their health, for instance. On the other hand, if it relates to something impersonal, it could relate to how they have been spending their time.</p><p>However, while it would be easy to say that this is something that is black and white, this is not always going to be the case. As what is classed as personal to one person might not be seen as in the same way to another and the same goes for what is classed as impersonal.</p><p>A Different Outlook</p><p>Therefore, when it comes to the kinds of things that one only shares in a private message; they could find that there are plenty of people who share the same thing on their wall. Through seeing this, one could wonder why they would share these kinds of things with everyone.</p><p>This could then be a sign that one is a private person, and at the same time, it could also mean that these people don't hold back. There can then be no difference between what these people share with a few people and what they share with everyone.</p><p>Normal</p><p>When one does share practically everything on their wall, it could be seen as something that is normal. One reason for this is that they are likely to have plenty of 'friends' who do the same thing.</p><p>Along with this, there is also the chance that they have grown up with social media, and this means that it can be seen as an extension of themselves as opposed to just something they use. At the same time, even if one hasn't grown up with it, it doesn't mean that they will hold back when it comes to what they share.</p><p>Approval</p><p>If one has a strong need for approval, this can also have an impact on what they share. This is something that can also have an impact on how often they share things with others.</p><p>If one is in a position where they are unable to feel good about themselves unless they receive approval from others, they could also end up experiencing withdrawal symptoms if they are unable to use social media. That is, of course, unless they have another way to receive approval.</p><p>Tried and Tested</p><p>One could simply share something in the hope that their 'friends' will 'like' and comment, or they could have a number of proven ways to gain approval. One may find that uploading pictures of themselves and sharing funny videos works.</p><p>This could then mean that one doesn't speak their mind, or it could be something that takes place from time to time. As when they have shared their views on something, they may have found that they didn't receive the same kinds of responses.</p><p>Not This Far</p><p>Having said that, one might not have shared their views online, and this could be because they don't feel comfortable doing it. And even if one is in a position where they don't share a lot of things, they could also find that they hold back.</p><p>One then has a platform to express their views, but they are only allowing themselves to express certain things. As they are behind a screen, it can be hard to understand why this would be the case.</p><p>The Sensible Approach</p><p>One way of looking at this would be to say that one is simply thinking about how their views might affect others, and as a result of this, they choose to keep them to themselves. If they didn't take this approach, it could lead to unnecessary arguments, and they might even offend others.</p><p>Now, clearly there is no point in causing unnecessary arguments or offending people for the sake of it. Yet, if that means that one ends up stopping themselves from expressing what they have to say, it will also have a negative effect.</p><p>Abuse</p><p>But if one is focused on doing everything that they can to please others, it is not going to be possible for them to realise this. Also, one might fear that someone will 'unfriend' them if they were to say the wrong thing.</p><p>What can also encourage one to keep their views to themselves is when they see what happens to people who to express their views. These people could end being labelled in some way, and they could even be abused.</p><p>The Authorities</p><p>Along with this, one may also worry about what the authorities would do if they were to express their views. And as people have been arrested for what they have said on social media, it would be perfectly normal for one to have this outlook.</p><p>The Real World</p><p>One might not only respond in this way online though, as the experience they have online could end up effecting how they behave offline. What this shows is how social media has an impact on the real world.</p><p>So even though social media is often seen as a place where people can connect with others, it doesn't mean that it is somewhere where people feel as though they can be themselves. In many ways, it can just be somewhere where people end up playing a role.</p><p>Free Speech</p><p>In order for human beings to grow, they need to be open to new information; if they are unable to let new ideas and perspectives in, it will have a negative effect on their development. And the same could be said for when it comes to listening to alternative points of view.</p><p>If one is unable to listen to what other people have to say, it is going to stop them from growing. Now, this is not to say that one has to accept everything they hear, and neither does it mean that another person has the right to harm them.</p><p>But if one hears something and they feel uncomfortable, it doesn't mean that another person has harmed then. What it comes down to is that they are experiencing an emotional reaction, and it will be important for them to look into why this is.</p><p>If they were unable to do this and they were to blame another person for what is taking place within them, they wouldn't be taking responsibility. It would then be normal for them to try to oppress others as a way to avoid their own pain.</p> </div><br/> <br/> <br/><br><a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?Social-Media:-Does-Social-Media-Discourage-Free-Speech?&id=9367584">Source</a> by <a href="http://ezinearticles.com/expert/Oliver_JR_Cooper/818466">Oliver JR Cooper</a>

science social media social media marketing technology Social Media: Does Social Media Discourage Free Speech?

When one uses social media, they can either send a 'friend' a message or they can share something on their wall. And as to what...

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Being a Star on Social Media!

<div><br/> <p>As business owners, we are always working on so many things and on to go to boot! From accounting, sales, promotions and networking, we often wear too many hats! But then again, being in business is a little like being in a movie, playing different roles in another world. Sounds glamorous, right?</p><p>Of course it is!</p><p>In today's <a name="YANDEX_4"></a><nobr><a href="http://hghltd.yandex.net/yandbtm?fmode=inject&url=http%3A%2F%2Fezinearticles.com%2F%3FBeing-a-Star-on-Social-Media%21%26id%3D8726732&tld=com&lang=en&la=1458501376&tm=1459759358&text=site%3Aezinearticles.com%20social%20media%20inurl%3Aid&l10n=en&mime=html&sign=0790ff2e4e3b724aba3a3b374bee5e0e&keyno=0#YANDEX_3"></a><span class='highlight highlight_active'> social </span><a href="http://hghltd.yandex.net/yandbtm?fmode=inject&url=http%3A%2F%2Fezinearticles.com%2F%3FBeing-a-Star-on-Social-Media%21%26id%3D8726732&tld=com&lang=en&la=1458501376&tm=1459759358&text=site%3Aezinearticles.com%20social%20media%20inurl%3Aid&l10n=en&mime=html&sign=0790ff2e4e3b724aba3a3b374bee5e0e&keyno=0#YANDEX_5"></a></nobr> <a name="YANDEX_5"></a><nobr><a href="http://hghltd.yandex.net/yandbtm?fmode=inject&url=http%3A%2F%2Fezinearticles.com%2F%3FBeing-a-Star-on-Social-Media%21%26id%3D8726732&tld=com&lang=en&la=1458501376&tm=1459759358&text=site%3Aezinearticles.com%20social%20media%20inurl%3Aid&l10n=en&mime=html&sign=0790ff2e4e3b724aba3a3b374bee5e0e&keyno=0#YANDEX_4"></a><span class='highlight highlight_active'> media </span><a href="http://hghltd.yandex.net/yandbtm?fmode=inject&url=http%3A%2F%2Fezinearticles.com%2F%3FBeing-a-Star-on-Social-Media%21%26id%3D8726732&tld=com&lang=en&la=1458501376&tm=1459759358&text=site%3Aezinearticles.com%20social%20media%20inurl%3Aid&l10n=en&mime=html&sign=0790ff2e4e3b724aba3a3b374bee5e0e&keyno=0#YANDEX_6"></a></nobr> marketing world, we can really turn ourselves into rock stars and feature icons of both our personal and business lives via, drumroll please, <a name="YANDEX_6"></a><nobr><a href="http://hghltd.yandex.net/yandbtm?fmode=inject&url=http%3A%2F%2Fezinearticles.com%2F%3FBeing-a-Star-on-Social-Media%21%26id%3D8726732&tld=com&lang=en&la=1458501376&tm=1459759358&text=site%3Aezinearticles.com%20social%20media%20inurl%3Aid&l10n=en&mime=html&sign=0790ff2e4e3b724aba3a3b374bee5e0e&keyno=0#YANDEX_5"></a><span class='highlight highlight_active'> Social </span><a href="http://hghltd.yandex.net/yandbtm?fmode=inject&url=http%3A%2F%2Fezinearticles.com%2F%3FBeing-a-Star-on-Social-Media%21%26id%3D8726732&tld=com&lang=en&la=1458501376&tm=1459759358&text=site%3Aezinearticles.com%20social%20media%20inurl%3Aid&l10n=en&mime=html&sign=0790ff2e4e3b724aba3a3b374bee5e0e&keyno=0#YANDEX_7"></a></nobr> <a name="YANDEX_7"></a><nobr><a href="http://hghltd.yandex.net/yandbtm?fmode=inject&url=http%3A%2F%2Fezinearticles.com%2F%3FBeing-a-Star-on-Social-Media%21%26id%3D8726732&tld=com&lang=en&la=1458501376&tm=1459759358&text=site%3Aezinearticles.com%20social%20media%20inurl%3Aid&l10n=en&mime=html&sign=0790ff2e4e3b724aba3a3b374bee5e0e&keyno=0#YANDEX_6"></a><span class='highlight highlight_active'> Media </span><a href="http://hghltd.yandex.net/yandbtm?fmode=inject&url=http%3A%2F%2Fezinearticles.com%2F%3FBeing-a-Star-on-Social-Media%21%26id%3D8726732&tld=com&lang=en&la=1458501376&tm=1459759358&text=site%3Aezinearticles.com%20social%20media%20inurl%3Aid&l10n=en&mime=html&sign=0790ff2e4e3b724aba3a3b374bee5e0e&keyno=0#YANDEX_8"></a></nobr>!</p><p>Have you thought about how your <a name="YANDEX_8"></a><nobr><a href="http://hghltd.yandex.net/yandbtm?fmode=inject&url=http%3A%2F%2Fezinearticles.com%2F%3FBeing-a-Star-on-Social-Media%21%26id%3D8726732&tld=com&lang=en&la=1458501376&tm=1459759358&text=site%3Aezinearticles.com%20social%20media%20inurl%3Aid&l10n=en&mime=html&sign=0790ff2e4e3b724aba3a3b374bee5e0e&keyno=0#YANDEX_7"></a><span class='highlight highlight_active'> social </span><a href="http://hghltd.yandex.net/yandbtm?fmode=inject&url=http%3A%2F%2Fezinearticles.com%2F%3FBeing-a-Star-on-Social-Media%21%26id%3D8726732&tld=com&lang=en&la=1458501376&tm=1459759358&text=site%3Aezinearticles.com%20social%20media%20inurl%3Aid&l10n=en&mime=html&sign=0790ff2e4e3b724aba3a3b374bee5e0e&keyno=0#YANDEX_9"></a></nobr> <a name="YANDEX_9"></a><nobr><a href="http://hghltd.yandex.net/yandbtm?fmode=inject&url=http%3A%2F%2Fezinearticles.com%2F%3FBeing-a-Star-on-Social-Media%21%26id%3D8726732&tld=com&lang=en&la=1458501376&tm=1459759358&text=site%3Aezinearticles.com%20social%20media%20inurl%3Aid&l10n=en&mime=html&sign=0790ff2e4e3b724aba3a3b374bee5e0e&keyno=0#YANDEX_8"></a><span class='highlight highlight_active'> media </span><a href="http://hghltd.yandex.net/yandbtm?fmode=inject&url=http%3A%2F%2Fezinearticles.com%2F%3FBeing-a-Star-on-Social-Media%21%26id%3D8726732&tld=com&lang=en&la=1458501376&tm=1459759358&text=site%3Aezinearticles.com%20social%20media%20inurl%3Aid&l10n=en&mime=html&sign=0790ff2e4e3b724aba3a3b374bee5e0e&keyno=0#YANDEX_10"></a></nobr> networks are like T.V channels or production networks where one can document, take photos and even film the fabulous life of YOU as the CEO? Yes, that would be YOU, sitting right there and reading this post. Hello, nice to meet you!</p><p>If you haven't caught the bug yet, be sure you think about this next sentence very carefully because it will be crucial to your success online. You and your brand are the stars of your show on your <a name="YANDEX_10"></a><nobr><a href="http://hghltd.yandex.net/yandbtm?fmode=inject&url=http%3A%2F%2Fezinearticles.com%2F%3FBeing-a-Star-on-Social-Media%21%26id%3D8726732&tld=com&lang=en&la=1458501376&tm=1459759358&text=site%3Aezinearticles.com%20social%20media%20inurl%3Aid&l10n=en&mime=html&sign=0790ff2e4e3b724aba3a3b374bee5e0e&keyno=0#YANDEX_9"></a><span class='highlight highlight_active'> social </span><a href="http://hghltd.yandex.net/yandbtm?fmode=inject&url=http%3A%2F%2Fezinearticles.com%2F%3FBeing-a-Star-on-Social-Media%21%26id%3D8726732&tld=com&lang=en&la=1458501376&tm=1459759358&text=site%3Aezinearticles.com%20social%20media%20inurl%3Aid&l10n=en&mime=html&sign=0790ff2e4e3b724aba3a3b374bee5e0e&keyno=0#YANDEX_11"></a></nobr> <a name="YANDEX_11"></a><nobr><a href="http://hghltd.yandex.net/yandbtm?fmode=inject&url=http%3A%2F%2Fezinearticles.com%2F%3FBeing-a-Star-on-Social-Media%21%26id%3D8726732&tld=com&lang=en&la=1458501376&tm=1459759358&text=site%3Aezinearticles.com%20social%20media%20inurl%3Aid&l10n=en&mime=html&sign=0790ff2e4e3b724aba3a3b374bee5e0e&keyno=0#YANDEX_10"></a><span class='highlight highlight_active'> media </span><a href="http://hghltd.yandex.net/yandbtm?fmode=inject&url=http%3A%2F%2Fezinearticles.com%2F%3FBeing-a-Star-on-Social-Media%21%26id%3D8726732&tld=com&lang=en&la=1458501376&tm=1459759358&text=site%3Aezinearticles.com%20social%20media%20inurl%3Aid&l10n=en&mime=html&sign=0790ff2e4e3b724aba3a3b374bee5e0e&keyno=0#YANDEX_12"></a></nobr> networks!</p><p>Whether you are the key contact of your business or are acting on behalf of a business, people want to know what you and/or your brand offer, represent, and do on a day to day basis. Yes, I will begrudgingly admit that the most viewed posts and most glorified images are of celebrities eating the dreaded hot dog at a baseball game or of socialites at fabulous parties that make us wish we could be a part of the lifestyles of the rich and famous; but, I do know that even this type of marketing comes with a purpose.</p><p>I see that what these celebrities are doing in fact, is so crucial to their brands and ultimately, their business success at times it is so obvious! Some of the modern top 10 celebs and their paparazzi even go to extreme lengths airing facades and images that we don't necessarily want to see, but; hey, it's all about attention grabbing headlines in the media!</p><p>I must beg to argue that even though all these media stints and coverage can be somewhat of a comical saga and sometimes an annoying way to get attention, all of it only enables celebrities and brands to stay on top. Isn't the posting of these images in fact, a form of self-endorsement and publicity? After all, posting a selfie with JLo or James Franco would get anyone's feed buzzing, maybe the Donald too. (BTW, you guys are all on my bucket list so if you are by chance reading this post, hit me up! I love selfies!)</p><p>Just like in the US Weekly or via entertainment shows, once we are doing something noteworthy, everyone wants to know what we eat, what kind of car we drive, who we hang out with, and what our closets look like. And though I don't endorse being over zealous on <a name="YANDEX_12"></a><nobr><a href="http://hghltd.yandex.net/yandbtm?fmode=inject&url=http%3A%2F%2Fezinearticles.com%2F%3FBeing-a-Star-on-Social-Media%21%26id%3D8726732&tld=com&lang=en&la=1458501376&tm=1459759358&text=site%3Aezinearticles.com%20social%20media%20inurl%3Aid&l10n=en&mime=html&sign=0790ff2e4e3b724aba3a3b374bee5e0e&keyno=0#YANDEX_11"></a><span class='highlight highlight_active'> social </span><a href="http://hghltd.yandex.net/yandbtm?fmode=inject&url=http%3A%2F%2Fezinearticles.com%2F%3FBeing-a-Star-on-Social-Media%21%26id%3D8726732&tld=com&lang=en&la=1458501376&tm=1459759358&text=site%3Aezinearticles.com%20social%20media%20inurl%3Aid&l10n=en&mime=html&sign=0790ff2e4e3b724aba3a3b374bee5e0e&keyno=0#YANDEX_13"></a></nobr> <a name="YANDEX_13"></a><nobr><a href="http://hghltd.yandex.net/yandbtm?fmode=inject&url=http%3A%2F%2Fezinearticles.com%2F%3FBeing-a-Star-on-Social-Media%21%26id%3D8726732&tld=com&lang=en&la=1458501376&tm=1459759358&text=site%3Aezinearticles.com%20social%20media%20inurl%3Aid&l10n=en&mime=html&sign=0790ff2e4e3b724aba3a3b374bee5e0e&keyno=0#YANDEX_12"></a><span class='highlight highlight_active'> media </span><a href="http://hghltd.yandex.net/yandbtm?fmode=inject&url=http%3A%2F%2Fezinearticles.com%2F%3FBeing-a-Star-on-Social-Media%21%26id%3D8726732&tld=com&lang=en&la=1458501376&tm=1459759358&text=site%3Aezinearticles.com%20social%20media%20inurl%3Aid&l10n=en&mime=html&sign=0790ff2e4e3b724aba3a3b374bee5e0e&keyno=0#YANDEX_14"></a></nobr>, there is a certain "je ne sais quoi" about the effectiveness of this type of marketing that certainly draws attention and awareness to any entrepreneur and business owner.</p><p>On that note, for many consumers and business associates, a reputation is vital to whether or not a sales transaction or partnership happens. When was the last time your Louis Vuitton disappointed you? How about a pair of Gucci shades or even your Levi 501 Jeans? Of course, these brands have built loyalty via quality items, but then again, the reputation of these companies is what sells.</p><p>Bottom line, if they don't know you, they won't buy from you, especially when you are starting a business and you do not have an established reputation. Consumers today want to know who you are, they want to get to know your real life (hello Reality TV!) and see what you are doing in your day to day operations.</p><p>Once fans follow you and can connect with you on <a name="YANDEX_14"></a><nobr><a href="http://hghltd.yandex.net/yandbtm?fmode=inject&url=http%3A%2F%2Fezinearticles.com%2F%3FBeing-a-Star-on-Social-Media%21%26id%3D8726732&tld=com&lang=en&la=1458501376&tm=1459759358&text=site%3Aezinearticles.com%20social%20media%20inurl%3Aid&l10n=en&mime=html&sign=0790ff2e4e3b724aba3a3b374bee5e0e&keyno=0#YANDEX_13"></a><span class='highlight highlight_active'> Social </span><a href="http://hghltd.yandex.net/yandbtm?fmode=inject&url=http%3A%2F%2Fezinearticles.com%2F%3FBeing-a-Star-on-Social-Media%21%26id%3D8726732&tld=com&lang=en&la=1458501376&tm=1459759358&text=site%3Aezinearticles.com%20social%20media%20inurl%3Aid&l10n=en&mime=html&sign=0790ff2e4e3b724aba3a3b374bee5e0e&keyno=0#YANDEX_15"></a></nobr> <a name="YANDEX_15"></a><nobr><a href="http://hghltd.yandex.net/yandbtm?fmode=inject&url=http%3A%2F%2Fezinearticles.com%2F%3FBeing-a-Star-on-Social-Media%21%26id%3D8726732&tld=com&lang=en&la=1458501376&tm=1459759358&text=site%3Aezinearticles.com%20social%20media%20inurl%3Aid&l10n=en&mime=html&sign=0790ff2e4e3b724aba3a3b374bee5e0e&keyno=0#YANDEX_14"></a><span class='highlight highlight_active'> Media </span><a href="http://hghltd.yandex.net/yandbtm?fmode=inject&url=http%3A%2F%2Fezinearticles.com%2F%3FBeing-a-Star-on-Social-Media%21%26id%3D8726732&tld=com&lang=en&la=1458501376&tm=1459759358&text=site%3Aezinearticles.com%20social%20media%20inurl%3Aid&l10n=en&mime=html&sign=0790ff2e4e3b724aba3a3b374bee5e0e&keyno=0#YANDEX_16"></a></nobr> platforms like Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, they develop a relationship with you. They are now able to see what you are doing on a daily basis, how you are running your business, what you offer and what kinds of things you do in your business. Whether you are out supporting a local cause, selling a certain product or offering a service, your fans can see what you are posting and in turn, they are granted an awareness of your company via your free online <a name="YANDEX_16"></a><nobr><a href="http://hghltd.yandex.net/yandbtm?fmode=inject&url=http%3A%2F%2Fezinearticles.com%2F%3FBeing-a-Star-on-Social-Media%21%26id%3D8726732&tld=com&lang=en&la=1458501376&tm=1459759358&text=site%3Aezinearticles.com%20social%20media%20inurl%3Aid&l10n=en&mime=html&sign=0790ff2e4e3b724aba3a3b374bee5e0e&keyno=0#YANDEX_15"></a><span class='highlight highlight_active'> social </span><a href="http://hghltd.yandex.net/yandbtm?fmode=inject&url=http%3A%2F%2Fezinearticles.com%2F%3FBeing-a-Star-on-Social-Media%21%26id%3D8726732&tld=com&lang=en&la=1458501376&tm=1459759358&text=site%3Aezinearticles.com%20social%20media%20inurl%3Aid&l10n=en&mime=html&sign=0790ff2e4e3b724aba3a3b374bee5e0e&keyno=0#YANDEX_17"></a></nobr> <a name="YANDEX_17"></a><nobr><a href="http://hghltd.yandex.net/yandbtm?fmode=inject&url=http%3A%2F%2Fezinearticles.com%2F%3FBeing-a-Star-on-Social-Media%21%26id%3D8726732&tld=com&lang=en&la=1458501376&tm=1459759358&text=site%3Aezinearticles.com%20social%20media%20inurl%3Aid&l10n=en&mime=html&sign=0790ff2e4e3b724aba3a3b374bee5e0e&keyno=0#YANDEX_16"></a><span class='highlight highlight_active'> media </span><a href="http://hghltd.yandex.net/yandbtm?fmode=inject&url=http%3A%2F%2Fezinearticles.com%2F%3FBeing-a-Star-on-Social-Media%21%26id%3D8726732&tld=com&lang=en&la=1458501376&tm=1459759358&text=site%3Aezinearticles.com%20social%20media%20inurl%3Aid&l10n=en&mime=html&sign=0790ff2e4e3b724aba3a3b374bee5e0e&keyno=0#YANDEX_18"></a></nobr> platforms. Over time, they develop trust in you and also in your brand. Once you have confidence from your fans and followers, your business grows as a result! Not a bad way to see ROI on an investment that doesn't cost you anything other than some time, wouldn't you agree?</p><p>On that note, just remember that using <a name="YANDEX_18"></a><nobr><a href="http://hghltd.yandex.net/yandbtm?fmode=inject&url=http%3A%2F%2Fezinearticles.com%2F%3FBeing-a-Star-on-Social-Media%21%26id%3D8726732&tld=com&lang=en&la=1458501376&tm=1459759358&text=site%3Aezinearticles.com%20social%20media%20inurl%3Aid&l10n=en&mime=html&sign=0790ff2e4e3b724aba3a3b374bee5e0e&keyno=0#YANDEX_17"></a><span class='highlight highlight_active'> Social </span><a href="http://hghltd.yandex.net/yandbtm?fmode=inject&url=http%3A%2F%2Fezinearticles.com%2F%3FBeing-a-Star-on-Social-Media%21%26id%3D8726732&tld=com&lang=en&la=1458501376&tm=1459759358&text=site%3Aezinearticles.com%20social%20media%20inurl%3Aid&l10n=en&mime=html&sign=0790ff2e4e3b724aba3a3b374bee5e0e&keyno=0#YANDEX_19"></a></nobr> <a name="YANDEX_19"></a><nobr><a href="http://hghltd.yandex.net/yandbtm?fmode=inject&url=http%3A%2F%2Fezinearticles.com%2F%3FBeing-a-Star-on-Social-Media%21%26id%3D8726732&tld=com&lang=en&la=1458501376&tm=1459759358&text=site%3Aezinearticles.com%20social%20media%20inurl%3Aid&l10n=en&mime=html&sign=0790ff2e4e3b724aba3a3b374bee5e0e&keyno=0#YANDEX_18"></a><span class='highlight highlight_active'> Media </span><a href="http://hghltd.yandex.net/yandbtm?fmode=inject&url=http%3A%2F%2Fezinearticles.com%2F%3FBeing-a-Star-on-Social-Media%21%26id%3D8726732&tld=com&lang=en&la=1458501376&tm=1459759358&text=site%3Aezinearticles.com%20social%20media%20inurl%3Aid&l10n=en&mime=html&sign=0790ff2e4e3b724aba3a3b374bee5e0e&keyno=0#YANDEX_20"></a></nobr> is kinda like having your own network. You get to choose who, what, where, when and why you broadcast on your network! What's it gonna be?</p> </div><br/> <br/> <br/><br><a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?Being-a-Star-on-Social-Media!&id=8726732">Source</a> by <a href="http://ezinearticles.com/expert/Monika_B./1973625">Monika B.</a>

science social media social media marketing technology Being a Star on Social Media!

As business owners, we are always working on so many things and on to go to boot! From accounting, sales, promotions and networking, we...

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Social Media Marketing, Truth and Lies

<div><br/> <p>Social Media Marketing seems to be the latest buzz word for anyone looking to increase their online presence and sales, but is Social Media Marketing (SMM) all it is cracked up to be?</p><p>S.M.M companies are now springing up all over the place these days and they are telling anyone that will listen about how incredibly important social media like Facebook twitter and YouTube are to your business but, for the average small to medium sized business, does marketing to social networks really live up to all the hype? Is spending a small fortune on hiring a SMM company really worth it? And has anyone really done their research on this before they hired someone to set up there Facebook business page? Some SMM companies are setting up things like Facebook business pages (which are free) for $600 to $1,000 or more and telling their clients that they don't need a website because Facebook is the biggest social network in the world and everybody has a Facebook account. Now while it may be true that Facebook is the largest social network in the world and yes, Facebook's members are potential consumers, the real question is are they actually buying? Social media marketing companies are all too happy to point out the positives of social media like how many people use Facebook or how many tweets were sent out last year and how many people watch YouTube videos etc. but are you getting the full picture? I once sat next to a SMM "expert" at a business seminar who was spruiking to anyone who came within earshot about the amazing benefits of setting up a Facebook business page for small business (with him of course) and selling on Facebook. So, intrigued by the aforementioned "experts" advice I looked him up on Facebook only to find he had only 11 Facebook friends (not a good start). So being the research nut that I am, I decided to take a good look into SMM in regard to selling to see if it actually worked, who did it work for and if it did why did Social Media Marketing work for them? And should business rely so heavily on social networks for sales?</p><p>As a web developer I was constantly (and now increasingly) confronted with several social networking challenges when potential clients would say that having a website sounds good but they had a Facebook business page and had been told by various sources (the ever present yet anonymous "they") that social networks were the thing to do, but after discussing their needs it became quite clear that those potential clients didn't actually know why they needed social networks or SMM to generate online sales, They just wanted it. For small and medium sized business I always recommended building a quality website over any type of social network, why? Well it's simple really because social media is <em><u>Social</u></em> Media, and social Networks are <em><u>Social</u></em> Networks they are <u>not</u> business media and business networks (that would be more like LinkedIn). I know that sounds simple but it's true and the statistics back it up. The fact is that social media marketing fails to tell you that Facebook is a social network not a search engine and despite the number of Facebook users and Google users being around the same, people don't use Facebook in the same way that they use a search engine like Google (which has around half the search engine market), Yahoo and Bing to search for business or products. They use it to keep in touch with family and friends or for news and entertainment. In a recent study done by the IBM Institute for Business Value around 55% of all social media users stated that they do not engage with brands over social media at all and only around 23% actually purposefully use social media to interact with brands. Now out of all the people who do use social media and who do interact with brands whether purposefully or not, the majority (66%) say they need to feel a company is communicating honestly before they will interact.</p><p>So how do you use social media marketing? And is it even worth doing?</p><p>Well first of all I would say that having a well optimized website is still going to bring you far more business that social media in most cases especially if you are a small to medium sized local business because far more people are going to type in "hairdresser Port Macquarie" into a search engine like Google, Yahoo and Bing than they ever will on any Social Media Site and if you don't have a website you're missing out on all of that potential business. However despite all the (not so good) statistics I still think it is still a good idea for business to use social media just not in the same way that a lot of SMM professionals are today, Why? Because it's clearly not working in the way they claim it does. Basically SMM Companies and Business as a whole looked at social networks like Facebook as a fresh market ripe for the picking and when Facebook started getting users measured by the millions PayPal co-founder Peter Thiel invested US$500,000 for 7% of the company (in June 2004) and since them a few venture capital firms have made investments into Facebook and in October 2007, Microsoft announced that it had purchased a 1.6% share of Facebook for $240 million. However since Facebook's humble beginnings up until now (2012) both SMM Companies and Business have failed to truly capitalise on the huge number of Facebook users online. The truth is numbers does not equal buyers. Is it in a Social Media Marketing company's best interest to talk social networks up? Absolutely. Is it in a Social Network like Facebook's best interests for people to believe that companies can sell en masse by advertising and marketing with them? Of course it is. In early 2012, Facebook disclosed that its profits had jumped 65% to $1 billion in the previous year as its revenue which is mainly from advertising had jumped almost 90% to $3.71 billion so clearly the concept of SMM is working out for them but it is working out for you? Well... statistically no, but that does not necessarily mean that it never will.</p><p>I believe the major difference between social networks and search engines is intent. People who use Google are deliberately searching for something so if they do a search for hairdressers that's what they are looking for at that particular time. With something like Facebook the primary intent is usually to connect with friends and family. In October 2008, Mark Zuckerberg himself said "I don't think social networks can be monetized in the same way that search (Search Engines) did... In three years from now we have to figure out what the optimum model is. But that is not our primary focus today". One of the biggest problems business face with social networks and SMM is perception. According to the IBM Institute for Business Value study there were "significant gaps between what businesses think consumers care about and what consumers say they want from their social media interactions with companies." For example in today's society people are not just going to hand you over there recommendations, Facebook likes, comments or details without getting something back for it, so the old adage "what's in it for me?" comes into play. So the primary reason most people give for interacting with brands or business on social media is to receive discounts, yet the brands and business themselves think the main reason people interact with them on social media is to learn about new products. For brands and business receiving discounts only ranks 12th on their list of reasons why people interact with them. Most businesses believe social media will increase advocacy, but only 38 % of consumers agree.</p><p>Companies need to find more innovative ways to connect with social media if they want to see some sort of result from it. There were some good initiatives shown in the IBM study of companies that had gotten some sort of a handle on how to use social media to their advantage, keeping in mind that when asked what they do when they interact with businesses or brands via social media, consumers list "getting discounts or coupons" and "purchasing products and services" as the top two activities, respectively a U.S ice cream company called Cold Stone Creamery offered discounts on their products on their Facebook page. Alternatively there is a great program launched by Best Buys in the U.S called Twelpforce where employees can respond to customer's questions via Twitter. With both Cold Stone Creamery and Twelpforce the benefit is clearly in the favour of the potential customer & the great trick to social media marketing is to sell without trying to sell (or looking like your selling) unfortunately most social media marketing is focused the wrong way.</p><p>Building a tangible buyer to consumer relationship via social media is not easy and probably the most benefit to business' using social media to boost their websites Google rankings. But business' need to understand that you can't just setup a Facebook business page and hope for the best. SMM requires effort and potential customers need to see value in what you have to offer via your social media efforts give them something worth their social interaction and time and then you may get better results.</p><p>Now just as a footnote Facebook shares have dropped to under $20 per share, that's half their original price... and the lawsuits are flying</p> </div><br/> <br/> <br/><br><a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?Social-Media-Marketing,-Truth-and-Lies&id=7237387">Source</a> by <a href="http://ezinearticles.com/expert/Sloan_Bax/1290891">Sloan Bax</a>

science social media social media marketing technology Social Media Marketing, Truth and Lies

Social Media Marketing seems to be the latest buzz word for anyone looking to increase their online presence and sales, but is Social M...

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Social Media Branding Strategy: Using "Touch Points" to Create Strong Brands

<div><br/> <p>Social media creates modern, world class brands. These brands are created because social media allows a marketer to engage customers over many "touch points". These multiple touch points allow brands to become "friends" with their customers and to create personal relationships with customers. The creation of these relationships is the way that a modern brand is created. This is the change that social media has brought to modern marketing. As a poll conducted by The Economist in April, 2009, tells us, "People no longer believe in advertising any longer--they believe in their friends". Creating a brand is done by developing a friendship with an organization's customers. How is this done? It is done by the use of multiple touch points. How does a marketer use "multiple touch points"?</p><p>To answer that question we have understand the nature of Social Media. Social Media has created a "perfect storm" for a marketer. To create strong brands a marketer needs scale and a presence. To create a world class brand, a marketer needs a lot of customers, and they need a place where they can meet that huge number of customers. Social media platforms allow a marketer to do this. Approximately ¼ of the world's population belong to a social media platform. Facebook, if it were a country, would be the fourth largest nation in the world. Many of these platforms are integrated with one another. Five billion impressions are shared by consumers online annually about products and services according to Josh Bernoff and Ted Schadler, Forrester Research analysts. This means that social media platforms provide a common meeting place for a great many people to meet and to communicate.</p><p>Scale and platform has changed how people, especially people in a global economy, communicate. In new media, brands are created when one person communicates to another person, usually their friend about a product and its benefits. "Friends" have a conversation and brands are recommended. This recommendation among friends creates world class brands. Social media has evolved modern marketing from a "push" world, in which products are produced and pushed on consumers to a "pull" world in which consumers dictate to marketers what the consumer wants.</p><p>Social media has created more touch points--places where marketers and consumers--"friends"--engage. This has changed modern marketing. New media can create and develop a brand overnight. Two primary examples are the Ford Fiesta and President Obama. No money was spent on an advertising campaign for the Fiesta. Ford created a social media campaign that lasted 6 months. This campaign involved many touch points. Instead of conventional advertising, Ford's campaign revolved around posts, video, blogs, and texts. At the end of the campaign, the Fiesta possessed 38% brand awareness in its target market. In the first week that it was available, the Fiesta sold 10,000 units, an unusual number for a new car. In contrast, Ford had spent millions on a conventional advertising campaign, spread over 2 years for its Fusion. After all that expense, the Fusion had a little less than a 38% awareness number. In the case of President Obama, in early 2007 he was virtually unknown with no money, but he won the Presidential election in 2008. Social media branding does work. For a brand to be created, consumers have to know about the brand, and they must perceive it to be different from other products in its marketing space. They have to be convinced that the brand will add something significant to their life. To buy the brand, in a social media age, consumers have to be comfortable with the brand in the same way that they are comfortable with a friend. This is what happened in Fusion and in the Obama campaign. The key to social media branding is the wise use of touch points.</p><p>To create a modern brand, a marketer has to make their brand to become almost like a real person--a brand must be someone you can trust, someone you enjoy hanging out with. This is why multiple touch points are critical. The more contact that is made the more the consumers become comfortable with the brands. Branding a product is just like developing a friendship with someone. In our human relationships, the more we get to know someone, the more that we trust them. The more we trust someone, the more we are willing to overlook their shortcomings. In a group of people, we choose our friends, and we decide whom to hang out with, even though we know our friends have shortcomings. Our friends, in real life, have brands. We have trust for those people, so we develop relationships with them. This is how our brands are to be created in a social media age.</p><p>There are two sources that do a good job in explaining the dynamic of this trust building and how it relates to modern marketing. The June 2009 issue of The McKinsey Quarterly, written by David Court, Dave Elzinger, and Susan Mulder, describe "The Consumer Decision Journey". The Harvard Business Review of 12/10, written by David Edleman, explains the use of multiple touch points in an article entitled "Branding In the Digital Age".</p><p>"Touch points" are those precious moments when a marketer meets a consumer, just when a purchasing decision is going to be made. This is the tool that social media gives to a marketer. Social media is marketing in real time. Social media allows a marketer to know just when a customer is going to make a purchase. Social media has allowed the conversation between two "friends" (brand and consumer) to evolve from a one way conversation (conventional advertising--old media) to a two way conversation (new media)</p><p>A successful brand becomes a "friend" to a customer. Friend consumer tells friend brand exactly when the consumer wants to buy. The friend brand makes the purchasing experience as easy as possible. Through constant conversations on a social media platform, a brand is able to reach consumers in the right place, at the right time, with right message.</p><p>In new media, just as in old, brand awareness is a critical element in the ultimate buying decision. When a purchasing decision is going to be made, many times a consumer will begin the search focused on several different alternatives. These initial brands can be up to three times more likely to be purchased eventually than the brands that aren't in the original consideration. This is why touch points are so critical to whether or not a product is bought and branded. Touch points constantly create brand awareness. In old media there are only a few touch points, mainly created through advertising. In new media, there are many touch points, and these touch points come from places with a great deal of credibility--your friends and family. In social media the touch points-- texts, videos, posts, and blogs-- are fun things. They come from friends and family of the consumer. New media touch points make a great impact on a consumer. It is for this reason why the Ford Fiesta gained a 38% awareness level in just six months with no formal advertising. In old media, unless a consumer is actively shopping, the advertising may be wasted money.</p><p>This is in contrast to New Media. On a social media platform, a brand and a consumer are in constant contact. What happens when something triggers the impulse to buy? Those constant experiences through multiple touch points seal the deal because now a marketer knows precisely when a consumer wants to buy. In New Media, marketing is now in real time. This is a change in the dynamic of how products are marketed, branded, and bought. In old media, the marketer reached out to the consumer, through traditional advertising. In new media, consumers reach out to the marketer to create the brand. When a consumer wants to know about a brand, they now go to a Facebook page, access information, and read the "comment" section to get an idea of the quality of the product. The "advertising" is from peers--people who have already used the product.</p><p>The consumer is now in control. To create a relationship and brand, the marketer must create a conversation through a social media platform that the marketer has no control over. This conversation can only be created if there is engaging content to share with the consumer. People don't want to converse with people who are dull or who add nothing to their lives. Engaging, two-way content is only way that a modern brand is going to be created.</p><p>The researchers at McKinsey found that 2/3 of the touch points during the active evaluation phase involve the consumer-driven marketing activities, such as Internet reviews, and word-of-mouth recommendations from friends and family, as well as the platform interactions and recollections of past experiences from a peer group in the "comment" section. The greater the number of touch points, the greater the chance a product will be purchased and a brand created. The greater the number of touch points the greater the chance that a consumer will get the right information at the right time.</p><p>Marketers create brands through multiple touch points, by taking part in conversations with consumers about brands, creating compelling content, and listening to "friends" as they "converse". This use of multiple touch points is the means by which President Obama created the brand that he needed to win the Presidency in 2008. It is the use of touch points that allowed Ford to sell 10,000 units of the Fiesta in its first week of availability, although Ford had not invested any money at all in traditional advertising.</p><p>Using social media to create multiple touch points creates a process for branding in the New Media age.</p><p>• Evaluate the brand</p><p>• Buy</p><p>• Advocate the brand to other people</p><p>• Bond with brand as you would with a friend</p><p>The bonding stage is when the brand of a product is firmly placed in a consumer's mind. This is the final result of having many touch points created by social media strategy.</p><p>Dean Hambleton</p><p>Deanhambleton.blogspott.com</p> </div><br/> <br/> <br/><br><a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?Social-Media-Branding-Strategy:-Using-Touch-Points-to-Create-Strong-Brands&id=6127432">Source</a> by <a href="http://ezinearticles.com/expert/Dean_Hambleton/982671">Dean Hambleton</a>

science social media social media marketing technology Social Media Branding Strategy: Using "Touch Points" to Create Strong Brands

Social media creates modern, world class brands. These brands are created because social media allows a marketer to engage customers ov...

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Social Media - The Basics

<div><br/> <p>A definition is simple, it's an online community. You can use this community to either connect with people personally or in business. It's exciting and developing very quickly. It is a must!</p><p>This article is so you have the basic knowledge to be able to go out there and use Social Media to its fullest potential. It takes time to learn, but the more you use it, the more powerful it can be.</p><p><u>What is Social Media for?</u></p><p>Now here is the exciting part. You can use it in so many ways you probably don't realise the impact that it can have, especially in business.</p><p>You can use it to connect with people, advertise, sell, engage, lead generation, marketing campaigns, make money, reach a huge audience in an instance, buy and share stories, pictures and videos. You can market your products using business to business, educate people and learn. The options available to you when using these sites are absolutely outstanding.</p><p><u>What Social Media tools can I use?</u></p><p>The tools are quite varied. If you use Google to search for Social Media tools or sites you will find a whole bunch of them come up. Below I have given a small definition of the ones that are most common, but obviously you need to decide for yourself which ones you would like to use.</p><p>Like I said, use Google to explore your options. I will say though, the following four are a must! Get yourself a strategy so you will then get an idea of the type of tools you will need to use.</p><p>Facebook - Used for both personal and business use. On a personal level you can connect with new friends and reconnect with old. You can share videos, pictures opinions and ideas. On a business level you can create business pages and groups which you can gain enthusiasm and interest by advertising.</p><p>Twitter - Used for both personal and business use. On a personal basis you can connect with people you know and don't know personally, or you can just follow them if you find them interesting. On a business level, like Facebook it's a great tool for advertising, promoting and gaining interest in your business.</p><p>LinkedIn - This is used predominantly for business use and the working professional. It's a way of marketing your products and services to other businesses. It's a way of connecting with people in the same industry as you. Great way to network online!</p><p>YouTube - A place where you can find nearly anything. Used for personal and business use. It's a huge video library where you can educate yourself and others on virtually anything you wish. You can watch music videos, or post your own videos. You can literally make a video about anything and post it on YouTube for all to see.</p><p>All are open 24 hours a day so you can update, chat, advertise and all the rest whenever suites you best!</p><p><u>There are many Social media tools to use, how much time will it take to update all of them?</u></p><p>Like I said, you will probably at some point be using various tools so there are a few options that you can look at so when you update one, it updates them all in some way.</p><p>It does take time out of your day when using and updating these sites, if you have the money, pay someone to do it all for you. If you don't then a great tool is Hootsuit, but again, look on Google and see if there are any better platforms for you to upload the latest information all in one go.</p><p><u>When should I have a Social Media Strategy?</u></p><p>Using Social Media tools for business is a definite! Like any business venture you should always have a strategy. When using tools such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube you need to have direction if you want to achieve results.</p><p>Take for instance marketing online when using these tools. All your principles are the same as your previous marketing campaigns but when using Social Media you need to have a strategy on how you are going to use the tools that you choose. They all have their own uses, you need the strategy that works best for your business.</p><p>Some questions you may want to ask yourself are:</p><p>1. How can I target my customers and potential customers effectively?</p><p>2. How do they want to purchase their products or service?</p><p>3. What outcome do I want?</p><p>4. How do I keep my customers interest?</p><p>5. What are my customer's needs?</p><p>6. What is my unique selling point and how can I advertise that in the space that the tools offer?</p><p>7. What does my campaign look like?</p><p><u>Can I employ someone to look after my Social Media?</u></p><p>Absolutely! If you can afford it then do it! It allows you to get on with creating and expanding your business ideas. Just like when employing someone to blog for you or write forum topics you can employ someone who has incredible knowledge in Social media marketing, strategy and campaigns to promote and advertise your business online.</p><p>Never underestimate the power of Social Media! Its like Search Engine Optimisation, it's not to be ignored. There is no doubt that Social media will enhance your business or your life so make sure you are using it!</p><p>Thank you for reading</p> </div><br/> <br/> <br/><br><a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?Social-Media---The-Basics&id=7375787">Source</a> by <a href="http://ezinearticles.com/expert/Amanda_J_Stephens/1415453">Amanda J Stephens</a>

science social media social media marketing technology Social Media - The Basics

A definition is simple, it's an online community. You can use this community to either connect with people personally or in busines...

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Top 10 Most Common Mistakes People Make in Social Media

<div><br/> <p>I'm new to social media. And unless you are one of the original thought leaders like Chris Brogan, Pete Cashmore or Brian Solis, chances are you're new to social media too.</p><p>Social media is far too new for a comprehensive how-to guide. And beyond the terms of service of each site, all we have are some loose rules and guidelines to establish general etiquette. As things are always changing, there is no set right way to approach social media, but there are definitely some wrong ways.</p><p>Here's my Top 10 list on mistakes people and companies make in social media:</p><p><b>1) Not listening</b></p><p>Ever try having a conversation with someone who isn't listening to you? Chances are, those conversations don't last long, right? The same goes for social media. Not taking the time to listen to what your friends, followers or target audience is saying is not only selfish, it's rude. Social media is about talking with, not at people. There is no monologue anymore, only dialog.</p><p><b>2) Too much self-promotion</b></p><p>Don't be the cheesy sales person who can't stop talking about your great product. Would you do that at a party while mingling with friends? People are especially critical of overly commercial messages in social communities. In order to build trust in this forum, you must offer something of value to the community (and I'm not talking about a special discount on your amazing product - that only works for mega retailers like Dell). The general rule of thumb is that only 5-10% of your tweets or status updates should be related to self-promoting sales activities (including calls to action, promotions, discounts or links to your sales funnel pages). The majority of your posts should offer insight, information, tips and resources that can help make your friends' and followers' lives easier. Humor is always welcome.</p><p><b>3) Automation with no sign of engagement</b></p><p>With the rising popularity of social networking sites, an influx of automated software applications has flooded the market. And while yes, it does free up a lot of time to automate your posts and have bots out there finding new followers or friends, automation defies the purpose of social media. Be sure to check in every once in a while, participate in conversations, post original thoughts and ideas, and humanize your profiles. If you are not engaging, you don't get it. See #1 on this list.</p><p><b>4) Speaking from the perspective of a brand rather than an individual</b></p><p>Social media is about individuals. You can't build a relationship with a brand - it isn't possible. Customers want to engage with the individuals behind the brand and make real connections. Be human and show that you care. The reason why the ComcastCares Twitter initiative was so successful was directly related to the fact that Frank Eliason put his name and face on the profile.</p><p><b>5) Ignoring negative comments</b></p><p>Perhaps the biggest concern of company involvement in social media is the inevitable negative comments and complaints. The bottom line is that the conversation is already happening, whether you are there to respond or not. Consumers are now armed with powerful platforms to express their discontent and influence vast communities of like-minded peers. Mainstream consumer influence is here to stay and ignoring your critics will only hurt your public image. Be transparent, accept criticism, and RESPOND. You will be surprised to know how far a little TLC can go on the social Web. And to top it off - you'll gain respect. Again, Comcast comes to mind.</p><p><b>6) Preventing or making it difficult to leave comments on blogs</b></p><p>If you didn't want to engage with your audience, why did you start a blog anyway? Disabling the comments feature is essentially disabling the conversation. People notice and it doesn't look good. While less extreme but still bad practice, making it difficult to post comments by forcing readers to register first is time-consuming and annoying. You are impeding the conversation. Comments empower your customers and boost your search rankings so any effort to prevent them is a lose-lose approach.</p><p><b>7) Making social media your be-all replacement to the marketing plan</b></p><p>Social media is not the be-all replacement to all traditional marketing practices... yet. Until the entire world is online and using social media, traditional marketing is not going anywhere. According to InternetWorldStats.com, approximately 1.6 billion of the world's 7 billion people are online. That's about 23%. We still have a long way to go.</p><p><b>8) Featuring only corporate marketing messages and press releases on your blog</b></p><p>Blogs are a company's best opportunity to be direct with customers and build real relationships. Your blog voice needs to be genuine and transparent - not regurgitated corporate rhetoric that was approved by the legal department. The more human your voice, the better it will be received.</p><p><b>9) Sending email SPAM to friends or followers</b></p><p>Someday I hope there will be a similar law for social media as there is for email in the CAN-SPAM act. Sending unsolicited emails to your friends, contacts and followers is SPAM (this includes the auto-DM on Twitter and promotional emails to friends on Facebook). The only exception to this is with Facebook pages and LinkedIn Groups where fans and members have opted in to receive email. Do not SPAM your friends.</p><p><b>10) Believing you have mastered social media</b></p><p>I think Brian Solis sums this up best by saying "we should never strive to master something that evolves much faster than our ability to fully grasp its lessons, benefits, insights and pitfalls." (Engage, 2010)</p> </div><br/> <br/> <br/><br><a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?Top-10-Most-Common-Mistakes-People-Make-in-Social-Media&id=4229866">Source</a> by <a href="http://ezinearticles.com/expert/Gretchen_Gary/633942">Gretchen Gary</a>

science social media social media marketing technology Top 10 Most Common Mistakes People Make in Social Media

I'm new to social media. And unless you are one of the original thought leaders like Chris Brogan, Pete Cashmore or Brian Solis, ch...

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Making Social Media Work For Your Business

<div><br/> <p><b>Social Media and the Development of the Web 2.0 </b></p><p>Designed to be spread through social interaction, Social Media relies on accessibility and consumer usability. Taking full advantage of the wide spread use of the Internet, social media uses web-based technologies to engage singular media sources in dialogue with one another. Social media has brought democracy to the dissemination of information and knowledge, giving a voice to the general public, transforming the masses from content consumers to content producers. Social media has been defined by Andreas Kaplan and Michael Haenlein as "a group of Internet bases application that build on the ideological and technological foundations of Web 2.0 and that allow the creation and exchange of user-generated content." Many business have started to take advantage of this "user-generated content", also known as "consumer generated media". The wide spread use of social media has taken the information age one step further into what is becoming known as "The Attention Age"</p><p>With so much content available on the web and so many voices contributing to web-based conversations, the question in play now becomes how to capture the attention of the masses and rise above the noise that has been created by the constant online media "buzz". Distinguishing any one particular site, person or idea on the web takes a great deal of creativity and innovation. This need has created a whole new pool of professionals who specialize in driving traffic or attention to a specific Internet "site" or place. Now that everyone has a voice, the goal is to become an "authority" in a certain field or on a specific subject. Much of becoming an authority is developing a following.</p><p>Businesses large and small have begun to take advantage of this idea and the facility of user generated content and consumer generated media in order to use their customers as marketing tools. With a few simple incentives, business have to power to use their customers as promoters, increasing brand exposure and positive consumer feedback. With the extensive reach of social media sites such as Twitter, messages and information can be spread instantly to thousands of individuals across the globe.</p><p>Other forms of social media include networking sites such as Facebook and LinkedIn, online forums such as Wikipedia, media sharing tools such as YouTube and MySpace (also a social networking site) podcasts, social bookmarking, blogs, vlogs and social network aggregation platforms.</p><p>With the widespread use of online media and the prevalence of the Internet, it is in every business' best interest to take full advantage of social media as a marketing and sales tool. In the United States, social networking accounts for 11 percent of all time spent on the Internet. Over a quarter of Internet page visits in the US were to top social networking sites. Twitter processes more than one billion tweets each month and averages about 40 million tweets per day. While these numbers may seem staggering, they are increasing every day.</p><p>There are many ways businesses can use social media and Internet marketing to their advantage. By creating their own online profiles, they can develop following online through sites such as Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn, as well as distributing content through Wikipedia, a business blog and their website. Since the goal of social media is to start and spread conversation, businesses have to offer a point of intrigue, be it through interesting content or an incentive in exchange for participating in an information exchange.</p><p>Businesses can also use the information that sites such as Facebook offer about their users to target Internet advertising at a specific market. Since Facebook publicly shares information such as occupation, location, martial status, educational background and interests, it is easy to design and target advertising campaigns at a specific group of users.</p><p>If done right, online media can be used to have the consumer do the marketing. Similar to a store selling a t-shirt with their brand name printed across the front, businesses can use their customers as their own advertising tools. For example, if a business creates a Facebook fan page that they invite their customers to join by offering a simple incentive such as a coupon or access to "insider information", their business name will be displayed on all of their fan's profiles in the live newsfeed of all of their fans' friends. By increasing exposure, they will expand their following, thereby gaining more customers.</p><p>Social vs Industrial Media</p><p>Media can be loosely defined as "a source in which people gain information, education, news, etc." Online media is distinct from industrial media in that it is generally far less expensive and more accessible. Anyone can publish social media, whereas industrial media usually requires significant financial backing. While both social and industrial media have extensive reach, the ability to produce social media is available to anyone. Social media is also far more user friendly. Anyone with access to the Internet can create a Facebook profile or sign up for Twitter with no special training. Industrial media creators, on the other hand, have almost always received some sort of higher education specializing in the field. Perhaps where the two forms differ most is in the fact that social media has the ability to be published in real time. Whereas there is a time lag between an occurred event and the information being published in a newspaper, social media is broadcast instantaneously. It is true that news-reporters can broadcast live to television, but they can only be in one place at one time whereas social media users can send out information from thousands of different sources. Take the recent earthquake in Chile, for example. While a few reporters and camera crews could show live footage from a specific point of interest, anyone with a computer or cellphone could instantly send updates on what was happening from wherever they were, thus providing thousands of live information sources on what was happening in real time. Because of the nature of the Internet, social media is permanent whereas industrial media is destructible. Conversely, however, once industrial media is published, it cannot be edited or altered. On the other hand, social media can be changed almost instantly.</p><p><b>Web 2.0 </b></p><p>The term "Web 2.0" first came into play just before the new millennium when Darcy DiNucci used it in an article she wrote about the future of the Internet. Whereas the web was once a static place for gathering information, it has now become an active forum for information sharing and development. The term started to become more widely used in 2004 when O'Reilley Media and MediaLive hosted the first Web 2.0 conference. Web 2.0 does not necessarily refer to complicated technology upgrades, but rather to how the web is used, and the modern ability to interact with it.</p><p>The idea of Web 2.0 centers around the idea of using the Internet as a platform. Users are able to do far more than just retrieve data. Users now have the ability to interact with site features (post comments, live chat, upload images, music and video, etc) as well as store, manage and own data that they post.</p><p>Social Media is a large part of the nature of Web 2.0. Being able to have live conversations, instantly broadcast information to thousands of users at the same time as well as interact with other sources (live or computerized) has transformed the Internet from a library into a playground.</p><p>So where are we headed next? Have we already crossed the line into a new iteration of the Internet? Have we entered into the realm of Web 3.0? The expansion of social media platforms and the web's ability to track and connect user preferences suggests that we are indeed entering into yet another stage of how the Internet is used. Companies have a responsibility to keep up to date with these emerging trends as it is sure to effect the way we conduct business.</p> </div><br/> <br/> <br/><br><a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?Making-Social-Media-Work-For-Your-Business&id=4434349">Source</a> by <a href="http://ezinearticles.com/expert/Ken_Sundheim/641770">Ken Sundheim</a>

science social media social media marketing technology Making Social Media Work For Your Business

Social Media and the Development of the Web 2.0 Designed to be spread through social interaction, Social Media relies on accessibility ...

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What Is Social Media Marketing?

<div><br/> <p>To define the term Social Media Marketing let's first analyse the definition of each word that makes up the term itself.</p><p>The word 'social' implies that communication is happening between two parties and the term 'media' is simply the platform or method by which people are 'doing' social. And 'marketing' is the act of promoting products and services that lead to sales opportunities.</p><p>To summarise, Social Media Marketing is the process of promoting people, brands, products or services using Social Media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn.</p><p>While the principles of marketing remain, the strategies and psychology of marketing on each platform can be vastly different.</p><p>From a business perspective, each Social Media website serves one or more purposes as a marketing medium, the use of which depends on the target market you wish to communicate with (and sell to).</p><p><strong>Let's look at each of these platforms individually...</strong></p><p><strong>Facebook</strong></p><p>Facebook, the most popular of the Social Media websites has essentially two sides. Firstly, from a purely social perspective, it allow any individual to join and find, connect and communicate with anybody they choose, whether they be existing friends, school or university colleagues, family members, work colleagues and more.</p><p>The second side to Facebook is the business side. Facebook allows the creation of a 'Facebook Page' to anyone, but for business owners, they represent an opportunity to promote their products and services.</p><p>A Facebook Page is now an essential marketing tool for businesses of all shapes and sizes. They allow businesses the ability to attract 'fans' (past, present or future customers) as well as interact with these fans on the Facebook Page itself, primarily on the 'Wall' page.</p><p>A Facebook Page has multiple pages just like a normal business website would. The default pages contained within a brand new Facebook Page are; Wall, Info, Photos.</p><p>Business owners can also setup advertising within Facebook to drive visitors to the business's Facebook Page as a way of attracting more customers.</p><p><strong>Twitter</strong></p><p>Twitter is what's known as a 'Micro-Blog'. Micro meaning small and a Blog is like a news-feed containing information about a person, company, topic, industry etc., etc.</p><p>Twitter allows you to 'post' information of 140 characters in length about anything you wish. While it's true purpose is unknown it serves as a broadcast medium for businesses, individuals, celebrities or anyone who wants to voice their option or expertise about any subject they choose.</p><p><strong>YouTube</strong></p><p>YouTube is a video sharing website and due to its popularity and vast resource of information on just about any topic you can imagine, has become the second largest search engine (after Google). This means that people use YouTube to search for video content about any topic they wish to search for. It's no doubt that online video one of the primary ways our society uses as a way to communicate, learn, share and engage with others.</p><p>YouTube allows anyone the ability to upload a video of their choosing onto their own YouTube account for public or private viewing.</p><p><strong>LinkedIn</strong></p><p>LinkedIn serves two purposes. The first, it's a way for job seekers (or employers) to connect with each other.</p><p>Secondly, it's a business tool that allows business owners the ability to connect with and build a 'network' of contacts. Thinking of it like a business networking group, located online.</p><p>You can use LinkedIn to be introduced to someone via an existing contact in your network. It can be a powerful tool if your business is B2B.</p><p>Your choice of Social Media platform to choose to market yourself, your company or your products and services should be dictated by the type of customer you wish to connect with as well as the type of engagement and interaction you wish to have with the person.</p> </div><br/> <br/> <br/><br><a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?What-Is-Social-Media-Marketing?&id=6839040">Source</a> by <a href="http://ezinearticles.com/expert/MJ_Adams/804025">MJ Adams</a>

science social media social media marketing technology What Is Social Media Marketing?

To define the term Social Media Marketing let's first analyse the definition of each word that makes up the term itself. The word ...

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Does Your Company Have a Social Media Plan?

<div><br/> <p><a name="YANDEX_4"></a><nobr><a href="http://hghltd.yandex.net/yandbtm?fmode=inject&url=http%3A%2F%2Fezinearticles.com%2F%3FDoes-Your-Company-Have-a-Social-Media-Plan%3F%26id%3D3303009&tld=com&lang=en&la=1458417152&tm=1459759358&text=site%3Aezinearticles.com%20social%20media%20inurl%3Aid&l10n=en&mime=html&sign=b621c69f02e7f37deb5816c8da61075d&keyno=0#YANDEX_3"></a><span class='highlight highlight_active'> Social </span><a href="http://hghltd.yandex.net/yandbtm?fmode=inject&url=http%3A%2F%2Fezinearticles.com%2F%3FDoes-Your-Company-Have-a-Social-Media-Plan%3F%26id%3D3303009&tld=com&lang=en&la=1458417152&tm=1459759358&text=site%3Aezinearticles.com%20social%20media%20inurl%3Aid&l10n=en&mime=html&sign=b621c69f02e7f37deb5816c8da61075d&keyno=0#YANDEX_5"></a></nobr> <a name="YANDEX_5"></a><nobr><a href="http://hghltd.yandex.net/yandbtm?fmode=inject&url=http%3A%2F%2Fezinearticles.com%2F%3FDoes-Your-Company-Have-a-Social-Media-Plan%3F%26id%3D3303009&tld=com&lang=en&la=1458417152&tm=1459759358&text=site%3Aezinearticles.com%20social%20media%20inurl%3Aid&l10n=en&mime=html&sign=b621c69f02e7f37deb5816c8da61075d&keyno=0#YANDEX_4"></a><span class='highlight highlight_active'> media </span><a href="http://hghltd.yandex.net/yandbtm?fmode=inject&url=http%3A%2F%2Fezinearticles.com%2F%3FDoes-Your-Company-Have-a-Social-Media-Plan%3F%26id%3D3303009&tld=com&lang=en&la=1458417152&tm=1459759358&text=site%3Aezinearticles.com%20social%20media%20inurl%3Aid&l10n=en&mime=html&sign=b621c69f02e7f37deb5816c8da61075d&keyno=0#YANDEX_6"></a></nobr> and conversation marketing have the potential for transforming brands like no other communication methodology ever employed. The reason? It transforms the fundamental nature of the traditional brand/customer relationship. Historically, companies have used traditional media to advertise in a uni-directional way. It used to be all about broadcasting a message - with feedback loops tied chiefly to the ultimate purchase of a company's product - or worse, no purchase at all.</p><p>Thanks in part to the transformative impact of online <a name="YANDEX_6"></a><nobr><a href="http://hghltd.yandex.net/yandbtm?fmode=inject&url=http%3A%2F%2Fezinearticles.com%2F%3FDoes-Your-Company-Have-a-Social-Media-Plan%3F%26id%3D3303009&tld=com&lang=en&la=1458417152&tm=1459759358&text=site%3Aezinearticles.com%20social%20media%20inurl%3Aid&l10n=en&mime=html&sign=b621c69f02e7f37deb5816c8da61075d&keyno=0#YANDEX_5"></a><span class='highlight highlight_active'> social </span><a href="http://hghltd.yandex.net/yandbtm?fmode=inject&url=http%3A%2F%2Fezinearticles.com%2F%3FDoes-Your-Company-Have-a-Social-Media-Plan%3F%26id%3D3303009&tld=com&lang=en&la=1458417152&tm=1459759358&text=site%3Aezinearticles.com%20social%20media%20inurl%3Aid&l10n=en&mime=html&sign=b621c69f02e7f37deb5816c8da61075d&keyno=0#YANDEX_7"></a></nobr> <a name="YANDEX_7"></a><nobr><a href="http://hghltd.yandex.net/yandbtm?fmode=inject&url=http%3A%2F%2Fezinearticles.com%2F%3FDoes-Your-Company-Have-a-Social-Media-Plan%3F%26id%3D3303009&tld=com&lang=en&la=1458417152&tm=1459759358&text=site%3Aezinearticles.com%20social%20media%20inurl%3Aid&l10n=en&mime=html&sign=b621c69f02e7f37deb5816c8da61075d&keyno=0#YANDEX_6"></a><span class='highlight highlight_active'> media </span><a href="http://hghltd.yandex.net/yandbtm?fmode=inject&url=http%3A%2F%2Fezinearticles.com%2F%3FDoes-Your-Company-Have-a-Social-Media-Plan%3F%26id%3D3303009&tld=com&lang=en&la=1458417152&tm=1459759358&text=site%3Aezinearticles.com%20social%20media%20inurl%3Aid&l10n=en&mime=html&sign=b621c69f02e7f37deb5816c8da61075d&keyno=0#YANDEX_8"></a></nobr>, that brand/customer relationship is experiencing a sea-change.. As increasingly informed and savvy consumers begin to demand more transparency and honesty from businesses they support, companies are no longer able to hide behind an ability to fully control the message. Steadily, businesses are now leveraging <a name="YANDEX_8"></a><nobr><a href="http://hghltd.yandex.net/yandbtm?fmode=inject&url=http%3A%2F%2Fezinearticles.com%2F%3FDoes-Your-Company-Have-a-Social-Media-Plan%3F%26id%3D3303009&tld=com&lang=en&la=1458417152&tm=1459759358&text=site%3Aezinearticles.com%20social%20media%20inurl%3Aid&l10n=en&mime=html&sign=b621c69f02e7f37deb5816c8da61075d&keyno=0#YANDEX_7"></a><span class='highlight highlight_active'> social </span><a href="http://hghltd.yandex.net/yandbtm?fmode=inject&url=http%3A%2F%2Fezinearticles.com%2F%3FDoes-Your-Company-Have-a-Social-Media-Plan%3F%26id%3D3303009&tld=com&lang=en&la=1458417152&tm=1459759358&text=site%3Aezinearticles.com%20social%20media%20inurl%3Aid&l10n=en&mime=html&sign=b621c69f02e7f37deb5816c8da61075d&keyno=0#YANDEX_9"></a></nobr> <a name="YANDEX_9"></a><nobr><a href="http://hghltd.yandex.net/yandbtm?fmode=inject&url=http%3A%2F%2Fezinearticles.com%2F%3FDoes-Your-Company-Have-a-Social-Media-Plan%3F%26id%3D3303009&tld=com&lang=en&la=1458417152&tm=1459759358&text=site%3Aezinearticles.com%20social%20media%20inurl%3Aid&l10n=en&mime=html&sign=b621c69f02e7f37deb5816c8da61075d&keyno=0#YANDEX_8"></a><span class='highlight highlight_active'> media </span><a href="http://hghltd.yandex.net/yandbtm?fmode=inject&url=http%3A%2F%2Fezinearticles.com%2F%3FDoes-Your-Company-Have-a-Social-Media-Plan%3F%26id%3D3303009&tld=com&lang=en&la=1458417152&tm=1459759358&text=site%3Aezinearticles.com%20social%20media%20inurl%3Aid&l10n=en&mime=html&sign=b621c69f02e7f37deb5816c8da61075d&keyno=0#YANDEX_10"></a></nobr> as both an offensive and defensive means to forge new and solidify existing relationships while building trust through transparency. The most successful of these organizations are now doing much more than simply monitoring the consumer pulse... they are engaging and interacting on a real-time basis with existing and potential customers, throughout the entire buying cycle.</p><p>In some respects, today's businesses face the same challenges that early marketers experienced with emerging print and electronic advertising mediums, the most important of which is building meaningful and lasting relationships with new and existing customers. The key difference this time around is that successful marketing efforts increasingly hinge on the ability to reciprocate, in authentic ways and real-time ways, with a growing and increasingly sophisticated online consumer audience.</p><p>That's why, planning for consumer engagement through <a name="YANDEX_10"></a><nobr><a href="http://hghltd.yandex.net/yandbtm?fmode=inject&url=http%3A%2F%2Fezinearticles.com%2F%3FDoes-Your-Company-Have-a-Social-Media-Plan%3F%26id%3D3303009&tld=com&lang=en&la=1458417152&tm=1459759358&text=site%3Aezinearticles.com%20social%20media%20inurl%3Aid&l10n=en&mime=html&sign=b621c69f02e7f37deb5816c8da61075d&keyno=0#YANDEX_9"></a><span class='highlight highlight_active'> social </span><a href="http://hghltd.yandex.net/yandbtm?fmode=inject&url=http%3A%2F%2Fezinearticles.com%2F%3FDoes-Your-Company-Have-a-Social-Media-Plan%3F%26id%3D3303009&tld=com&lang=en&la=1458417152&tm=1459759358&text=site%3Aezinearticles.com%20social%20media%20inurl%3Aid&l10n=en&mime=html&sign=b621c69f02e7f37deb5816c8da61075d&keyno=0#YANDEX_11"></a></nobr> <a name="YANDEX_11"></a><nobr><a href="http://hghltd.yandex.net/yandbtm?fmode=inject&url=http%3A%2F%2Fezinearticles.com%2F%3FDoes-Your-Company-Have-a-Social-Media-Plan%3F%26id%3D3303009&tld=com&lang=en&la=1458417152&tm=1459759358&text=site%3Aezinearticles.com%20social%20media%20inurl%3Aid&l10n=en&mime=html&sign=b621c69f02e7f37deb5816c8da61075d&keyno=0#YANDEX_10"></a><span class='highlight highlight_active'> media </span><a href="http://hghltd.yandex.net/yandbtm?fmode=inject&url=http%3A%2F%2Fezinearticles.com%2F%3FDoes-Your-Company-Have-a-Social-Media-Plan%3F%26id%3D3303009&tld=com&lang=en&la=1458417152&tm=1459759358&text=site%3Aezinearticles.com%20social%20media%20inurl%3Aid&l10n=en&mime=html&sign=b621c69f02e7f37deb5816c8da61075d&keyno=0#YANDEX_12"></a></nobr> is an increasingly central consideration for today's business owners!</p><p>However, the pitfalls of a poorly or ill-conceived plan are myriad, and <a name="YANDEX_12"></a><nobr><a href="http://hghltd.yandex.net/yandbtm?fmode=inject&url=http%3A%2F%2Fezinearticles.com%2F%3FDoes-Your-Company-Have-a-Social-Media-Plan%3F%26id%3D3303009&tld=com&lang=en&la=1458417152&tm=1459759358&text=site%3Aezinearticles.com%20social%20media%20inurl%3Aid&l10n=en&mime=html&sign=b621c69f02e7f37deb5816c8da61075d&keyno=0#YANDEX_11"></a><span class='highlight highlight_active'> social </span><a href="http://hghltd.yandex.net/yandbtm?fmode=inject&url=http%3A%2F%2Fezinearticles.com%2F%3FDoes-Your-Company-Have-a-Social-Media-Plan%3F%26id%3D3303009&tld=com&lang=en&la=1458417152&tm=1459759358&text=site%3Aezinearticles.com%20social%20media%20inurl%3Aid&l10n=en&mime=html&sign=b621c69f02e7f37deb5816c8da61075d&keyno=0#YANDEX_13"></a></nobr> <a name="YANDEX_13"></a><nobr><a href="http://hghltd.yandex.net/yandbtm?fmode=inject&url=http%3A%2F%2Fezinearticles.com%2F%3FDoes-Your-Company-Have-a-Social-Media-Plan%3F%26id%3D3303009&tld=com&lang=en&la=1458417152&tm=1459759358&text=site%3Aezinearticles.com%20social%20media%20inurl%3Aid&l10n=en&mime=html&sign=b621c69f02e7f37deb5816c8da61075d&keyno=0#YANDEX_12"></a><span class='highlight highlight_active'> media </span><a href="http://hghltd.yandex.net/yandbtm?fmode=inject&url=http%3A%2F%2Fezinearticles.com%2F%3FDoes-Your-Company-Have-a-Social-Media-Plan%3F%26id%3D3303009&tld=com&lang=en&la=1458417152&tm=1459759358&text=site%3Aezinearticles.com%20social%20media%20inurl%3Aid&l10n=en&mime=html&sign=b621c69f02e7f37deb5816c8da61075d&keyno=0#YANDEX_14"></a></nobr> and conversation marketing by themselves are only a part of an integrated marketing solution. Although it's important to stress the value of building relationships through <a name="YANDEX_14"></a><nobr><a href="http://hghltd.yandex.net/yandbtm?fmode=inject&url=http%3A%2F%2Fezinearticles.com%2F%3FDoes-Your-Company-Have-a-Social-Media-Plan%3F%26id%3D3303009&tld=com&lang=en&la=1458417152&tm=1459759358&text=site%3Aezinearticles.com%20social%20media%20inurl%3Aid&l10n=en&mime=html&sign=b621c69f02e7f37deb5816c8da61075d&keyno=0#YANDEX_13"></a><span class='highlight highlight_active'> social </span><a href="http://hghltd.yandex.net/yandbtm?fmode=inject&url=http%3A%2F%2Fezinearticles.com%2F%3FDoes-Your-Company-Have-a-Social-Media-Plan%3F%26id%3D3303009&tld=com&lang=en&la=1458417152&tm=1459759358&text=site%3Aezinearticles.com%20social%20media%20inurl%3Aid&l10n=en&mime=html&sign=b621c69f02e7f37deb5816c8da61075d&keyno=0#YANDEX_15"></a></nobr> <a name="YANDEX_15"></a><nobr><a href="http://hghltd.yandex.net/yandbtm?fmode=inject&url=http%3A%2F%2Fezinearticles.com%2F%3FDoes-Your-Company-Have-a-Social-Media-Plan%3F%26id%3D3303009&tld=com&lang=en&la=1458417152&tm=1459759358&text=site%3Aezinearticles.com%20social%20media%20inurl%3Aid&l10n=en&mime=html&sign=b621c69f02e7f37deb5816c8da61075d&keyno=0#YANDEX_14"></a><span class='highlight highlight_active'> media </span><a href="http://hghltd.yandex.net/yandbtm?fmode=inject&url=http%3A%2F%2Fezinearticles.com%2F%3FDoes-Your-Company-Have-a-Social-Media-Plan%3F%26id%3D3303009&tld=com&lang=en&la=1458417152&tm=1459759358&text=site%3Aezinearticles.com%20social%20media%20inurl%3Aid&l10n=en&mime=html&sign=b621c69f02e7f37deb5816c8da61075d&keyno=0#YANDEX_16"></a></nobr>, it's incredibly difficult to achieve success when you're developing those relationships in an unstructured fashion.</p><p>Thus, <a name="YANDEX_16"></a><nobr><a href="http://hghltd.yandex.net/yandbtm?fmode=inject&url=http%3A%2F%2Fezinearticles.com%2F%3FDoes-Your-Company-Have-a-Social-Media-Plan%3F%26id%3D3303009&tld=com&lang=en&la=1458417152&tm=1459759358&text=site%3Aezinearticles.com%20social%20media%20inurl%3Aid&l10n=en&mime=html&sign=b621c69f02e7f37deb5816c8da61075d&keyno=0#YANDEX_15"></a><span class='highlight highlight_active'> social </span><a href="http://hghltd.yandex.net/yandbtm?fmode=inject&url=http%3A%2F%2Fezinearticles.com%2F%3FDoes-Your-Company-Have-a-Social-Media-Plan%3F%26id%3D3303009&tld=com&lang=en&la=1458417152&tm=1459759358&text=site%3Aezinearticles.com%20social%20media%20inurl%3Aid&l10n=en&mime=html&sign=b621c69f02e7f37deb5816c8da61075d&keyno=0#YANDEX_17"></a></nobr> <a name="YANDEX_17"></a><nobr><a href="http://hghltd.yandex.net/yandbtm?fmode=inject&url=http%3A%2F%2Fezinearticles.com%2F%3FDoes-Your-Company-Have-a-Social-Media-Plan%3F%26id%3D3303009&tld=com&lang=en&la=1458417152&tm=1459759358&text=site%3Aezinearticles.com%20social%20media%20inurl%3Aid&l10n=en&mime=html&sign=b621c69f02e7f37deb5816c8da61075d&keyno=0#YANDEX_16"></a><span class='highlight highlight_active'> media </span><a href="http://hghltd.yandex.net/yandbtm?fmode=inject&url=http%3A%2F%2Fezinearticles.com%2F%3FDoes-Your-Company-Have-a-Social-Media-Plan%3F%26id%3D3303009&tld=com&lang=en&la=1458417152&tm=1459759358&text=site%3Aezinearticles.com%20social%20media%20inurl%3Aid&l10n=en&mime=html&sign=b621c69f02e7f37deb5816c8da61075d&keyno=0#YANDEX_18"></a></nobr> is not to be performed in a haphazard way. Rather, it works best when applied in a logical sequence using a more structured approach. The mistake that most often leads to frustration and ultimately, abandonment, is not having a plan of attack!</p><p>Instead of thinking of <a name="YANDEX_18"></a><nobr><a href="http://hghltd.yandex.net/yandbtm?fmode=inject&url=http%3A%2F%2Fezinearticles.com%2F%3FDoes-Your-Company-Have-a-Social-Media-Plan%3F%26id%3D3303009&tld=com&lang=en&la=1458417152&tm=1459759358&text=site%3Aezinearticles.com%20social%20media%20inurl%3Aid&l10n=en&mime=html&sign=b621c69f02e7f37deb5816c8da61075d&keyno=0#YANDEX_17"></a><span class='highlight highlight_active'> social </span><a href="http://hghltd.yandex.net/yandbtm?fmode=inject&url=http%3A%2F%2Fezinearticles.com%2F%3FDoes-Your-Company-Have-a-Social-Media-Plan%3F%26id%3D3303009&tld=com&lang=en&la=1458417152&tm=1459759358&text=site%3Aezinearticles.com%20social%20media%20inurl%3Aid&l10n=en&mime=html&sign=b621c69f02e7f37deb5816c8da61075d&keyno=0#YANDEX_19"></a></nobr> <a name="YANDEX_19"></a><nobr><a href="http://hghltd.yandex.net/yandbtm?fmode=inject&url=http%3A%2F%2Fezinearticles.com%2F%3FDoes-Your-Company-Have-a-Social-Media-Plan%3F%26id%3D3303009&tld=com&lang=en&la=1458417152&tm=1459759358&text=site%3Aezinearticles.com%20social%20media%20inurl%3Aid&l10n=en&mime=html&sign=b621c69f02e7f37deb5816c8da61075d&keyno=0#YANDEX_18"></a><span class='highlight highlight_active'> media </span><a href="http://hghltd.yandex.net/yandbtm?fmode=inject&url=http%3A%2F%2Fezinearticles.com%2F%3FDoes-Your-Company-Have-a-Social-Media-Plan%3F%26id%3D3303009&tld=com&lang=en&la=1458417152&tm=1459759358&text=site%3Aezinearticles.com%20social%20media%20inurl%3Aid&l10n=en&mime=html&sign=b621c69f02e7f37deb5816c8da61075d&keyno=0#YANDEX_20"></a></nobr> as a freestanding tactic, first consider how you can add <a name="YANDEX_20"></a><nobr><a href="http://hghltd.yandex.net/yandbtm?fmode=inject&url=http%3A%2F%2Fezinearticles.com%2F%3FDoes-Your-Company-Have-a-Social-Media-Plan%3F%26id%3D3303009&tld=com&lang=en&la=1458417152&tm=1459759358&text=site%3Aezinearticles.com%20social%20media%20inurl%3Aid&l10n=en&mime=html&sign=b621c69f02e7f37deb5816c8da61075d&keyno=0#YANDEX_19"></a><span class='highlight highlight_active'> social </span><a href="http://hghltd.yandex.net/yandbtm?fmode=inject&url=http%3A%2F%2Fezinearticles.com%2F%3FDoes-Your-Company-Have-a-Social-Media-Plan%3F%26id%3D3303009&tld=com&lang=en&la=1458417152&tm=1459759358&text=site%3Aezinearticles.com%20social%20media%20inurl%3Aid&l10n=en&mime=html&sign=b621c69f02e7f37deb5816c8da61075d&keyno=0#YANDEX_21"></a></nobr> <a name="YANDEX_21"></a><nobr><a href="http://hghltd.yandex.net/yandbtm?fmode=inject&url=http%3A%2F%2Fezinearticles.com%2F%3FDoes-Your-Company-Have-a-Social-Media-Plan%3F%26id%3D3303009&tld=com&lang=en&la=1458417152&tm=1459759358&text=site%3Aezinearticles.com%20social%20media%20inurl%3Aid&l10n=en&mime=html&sign=b621c69f02e7f37deb5816c8da61075d&keyno=0#YANDEX_20"></a><span class='highlight highlight_active'> media </span><a href="http://hghltd.yandex.net/yandbtm?fmode=inject&url=http%3A%2F%2Fezinearticles.com%2F%3FDoes-Your-Company-Have-a-Social-Media-Plan%3F%26id%3D3303009&tld=com&lang=en&la=1458417152&tm=1459759358&text=site%3Aezinearticles.com%20social%20media%20inurl%3Aid&l10n=en&mime=html&sign=b621c69f02e7f37deb5816c8da61075d&keyno=0#YANDEX_22"></a></nobr> components into your existing marketing plan. Before you begin any <a name="YANDEX_22"></a><nobr><a href="http://hghltd.yandex.net/yandbtm?fmode=inject&url=http%3A%2F%2Fezinearticles.com%2F%3FDoes-Your-Company-Have-a-Social-Media-Plan%3F%26id%3D3303009&tld=com&lang=en&la=1458417152&tm=1459759358&text=site%3Aezinearticles.com%20social%20media%20inurl%3Aid&l10n=en&mime=html&sign=b621c69f02e7f37deb5816c8da61075d&keyno=0#YANDEX_21"></a><span class='highlight highlight_active'> social </span><a href="http://hghltd.yandex.net/yandbtm?fmode=inject&url=http%3A%2F%2Fezinearticles.com%2F%3FDoes-Your-Company-Have-a-Social-Media-Plan%3F%26id%3D3303009&tld=com&lang=en&la=1458417152&tm=1459759358&text=site%3Aezinearticles.com%20social%20media%20inurl%3Aid&l10n=en&mime=html&sign=b621c69f02e7f37deb5816c8da61075d&keyno=0#YANDEX_23"></a></nobr> <a name="YANDEX_23"></a><nobr><a href="http://hghltd.yandex.net/yandbtm?fmode=inject&url=http%3A%2F%2Fezinearticles.com%2F%3FDoes-Your-Company-Have-a-Social-Media-Plan%3F%26id%3D3303009&tld=com&lang=en&la=1458417152&tm=1459759358&text=site%3Aezinearticles.com%20social%20media%20inurl%3Aid&l10n=en&mime=html&sign=b621c69f02e7f37deb5816c8da61075d&keyno=0#YANDEX_22"></a><span class='highlight highlight_active'> media </span><a href="http://hghltd.yandex.net/yandbtm?fmode=inject&url=http%3A%2F%2Fezinearticles.com%2F%3FDoes-Your-Company-Have-a-Social-Media-Plan%3F%26id%3D3303009&tld=com&lang=en&la=1458417152&tm=1459759358&text=site%3Aezinearticles.com%20social%20media%20inurl%3Aid&l10n=en&mime=html&sign=b621c69f02e7f37deb5816c8da61075d&keyno=0#YANDEX_24"></a></nobr> campaign, you should think about incorporating these three elements specific to these marketing channels:</p><p>1. Know what you don't know. 2. Determine how much time you have to commit to a <a name="YANDEX_24"></a><nobr><a href="http://hghltd.yandex.net/yandbtm?fmode=inject&url=http%3A%2F%2Fezinearticles.com%2F%3FDoes-Your-Company-Have-a-Social-Media-Plan%3F%26id%3D3303009&tld=com&lang=en&la=1458417152&tm=1459759358&text=site%3Aezinearticles.com%20social%20media%20inurl%3Aid&l10n=en&mime=html&sign=b621c69f02e7f37deb5816c8da61075d&keyno=0#YANDEX_23"></a><span class='highlight highlight_active'> social </span><a href="http://hghltd.yandex.net/yandbtm?fmode=inject&url=http%3A%2F%2Fezinearticles.com%2F%3FDoes-Your-Company-Have-a-Social-Media-Plan%3F%26id%3D3303009&tld=com&lang=en&la=1458417152&tm=1459759358&text=site%3Aezinearticles.com%20social%20media%20inurl%3Aid&l10n=en&mime=html&sign=b621c69f02e7f37deb5816c8da61075d&keyno=0#YANDEX_25"></a></nobr> <a name="YANDEX_25"></a><nobr><a href="http://hghltd.yandex.net/yandbtm?fmode=inject&url=http%3A%2F%2Fezinearticles.com%2F%3FDoes-Your-Company-Have-a-Social-Media-Plan%3F%26id%3D3303009&tld=com&lang=en&la=1458417152&tm=1459759358&text=site%3Aezinearticles.com%20social%20media%20inurl%3Aid&l10n=en&mime=html&sign=b621c69f02e7f37deb5816c8da61075d&keyno=0#YANDEX_24"></a><span class='highlight highlight_active'> media </span><a href="http://hghltd.yandex.net/yandbtm?fmode=inject&url=http%3A%2F%2Fezinearticles.com%2F%3FDoes-Your-Company-Have-a-Social-Media-Plan%3F%26id%3D3303009&tld=com&lang=en&la=1458417152&tm=1459759358&text=site%3Aezinearticles.com%20social%20media%20inurl%3Aid&l10n=en&mime=html&sign=b621c69f02e7f37deb5816c8da61075d&keyno=0#YANDEX_26"></a></nobr> campaign 3. Understand your audience objectives within each <a name="YANDEX_26"></a><nobr><a href="http://hghltd.yandex.net/yandbtm?fmode=inject&url=http%3A%2F%2Fezinearticles.com%2F%3FDoes-Your-Company-Have-a-Social-Media-Plan%3F%26id%3D3303009&tld=com&lang=en&la=1458417152&tm=1459759358&text=site%3Aezinearticles.com%20social%20media%20inurl%3Aid&l10n=en&mime=html&sign=b621c69f02e7f37deb5816c8da61075d&keyno=0#YANDEX_25"></a><span class='highlight highlight_active'> social </span><a href="http://hghltd.yandex.net/yandbtm?fmode=inject&url=http%3A%2F%2Fezinearticles.com%2F%3FDoes-Your-Company-Have-a-Social-Media-Plan%3F%26id%3D3303009&tld=com&lang=en&la=1458417152&tm=1459759358&text=site%3Aezinearticles.com%20social%20media%20inurl%3Aid&l10n=en&mime=html&sign=b621c69f02e7f37deb5816c8da61075d&keyno=0#YANDEX_27"></a></nobr> network 4. Dovetailing <a name="YANDEX_27"></a><nobr><a href="http://hghltd.yandex.net/yandbtm?fmode=inject&url=http%3A%2F%2Fezinearticles.com%2F%3FDoes-Your-Company-Have-a-Social-Media-Plan%3F%26id%3D3303009&tld=com&lang=en&la=1458417152&tm=1459759358&text=site%3Aezinearticles.com%20social%20media%20inurl%3Aid&l10n=en&mime=html&sign=b621c69f02e7f37deb5816c8da61075d&keyno=0#YANDEX_26"></a><span class='highlight highlight_active'> social </span><a href="http://hghltd.yandex.net/yandbtm?fmode=inject&url=http%3A%2F%2Fezinearticles.com%2F%3FDoes-Your-Company-Have-a-Social-Media-Plan%3F%26id%3D3303009&tld=com&lang=en&la=1458417152&tm=1459759358&text=site%3Aezinearticles.com%20social%20media%20inurl%3Aid&l10n=en&mime=html&sign=b621c69f02e7f37deb5816c8da61075d&keyno=0#YANDEX_28"></a></nobr> <a name="YANDEX_28"></a><nobr><a href="http://hghltd.yandex.net/yandbtm?fmode=inject&url=http%3A%2F%2Fezinearticles.com%2F%3FDoes-Your-Company-Have-a-Social-Media-Plan%3F%26id%3D3303009&tld=com&lang=en&la=1458417152&tm=1459759358&text=site%3Aezinearticles.com%20social%20media%20inurl%3Aid&l10n=en&mime=html&sign=b621c69f02e7f37deb5816c8da61075d&keyno=0#YANDEX_27"></a><span class='highlight highlight_active'> media </span><a href="http://hghltd.yandex.net/yandbtm?fmode=inject&url=http%3A%2F%2Fezinearticles.com%2F%3FDoes-Your-Company-Have-a-Social-Media-Plan%3F%26id%3D3303009&tld=com&lang=en&la=1458417152&tm=1459759358&text=site%3Aezinearticles.com%20social%20media%20inurl%3Aid&l10n=en&mime=html&sign=b621c69f02e7f37deb5816c8da61075d&keyno=0#YANDEX_29"></a></nobr> objectives with where your customers "live"</p><p><b>Know What You Don't Know</b></p><p><a name="YANDEX_29"></a><nobr><a href="http://hghltd.yandex.net/yandbtm?fmode=inject&url=http%3A%2F%2Fezinearticles.com%2F%3FDoes-Your-Company-Have-a-Social-Media-Plan%3F%26id%3D3303009&tld=com&lang=en&la=1458417152&tm=1459759358&text=site%3Aezinearticles.com%20social%20media%20inurl%3Aid&l10n=en&mime=html&sign=b621c69f02e7f37deb5816c8da61075d&keyno=0#YANDEX_28"></a><span class='highlight highlight_active'> Social </span><a href="http://hghltd.yandex.net/yandbtm?fmode=inject&url=http%3A%2F%2Fezinearticles.com%2F%3FDoes-Your-Company-Have-a-Social-Media-Plan%3F%26id%3D3303009&tld=com&lang=en&la=1458417152&tm=1459759358&text=site%3Aezinearticles.com%20social%20media%20inurl%3Aid&l10n=en&mime=html&sign=b621c69f02e7f37deb5816c8da61075d&keyno=0#YANDEX_30"></a></nobr> <a name="YANDEX_30"></a><nobr><a href="http://hghltd.yandex.net/yandbtm?fmode=inject&url=http%3A%2F%2Fezinearticles.com%2F%3FDoes-Your-Company-Have-a-Social-Media-Plan%3F%26id%3D3303009&tld=com&lang=en&la=1458417152&tm=1459759358&text=site%3Aezinearticles.com%20social%20media%20inurl%3Aid&l10n=en&mime=html&sign=b621c69f02e7f37deb5816c8da61075d&keyno=0#YANDEX_29"></a><span class='highlight highlight_active'> media </span><a href="http://hghltd.yandex.net/yandbtm?fmode=inject&url=http%3A%2F%2Fezinearticles.com%2F%3FDoes-Your-Company-Have-a-Social-Media-Plan%3F%26id%3D3303009&tld=com&lang=en&la=1458417152&tm=1459759358&text=site%3Aezinearticles.com%20social%20media%20inurl%3Aid&l10n=en&mime=html&sign=b621c69f02e7f37deb5816c8da61075d&keyno=0#YANDEX_31"></a></nobr> and conversation marketing are not ends unto themselves... like traditional marketing, they are simply tools, albeit transformative tools, to building brand, market affinity and sales. And while it may be too much to expect even the wisest "old dogs" to learn to master all the nuances of these "new tricks", true wisdom stems from surrounding yourself with people who get it. Don't let fear control, instead become intellectually engaged in ways that leverages your knowledge of your core business, customer and products and work with teams who can help convert your vision into the <a name="YANDEX_31"></a><nobr><a href="http://hghltd.yandex.net/yandbtm?fmode=inject&url=http%3A%2F%2Fezinearticles.com%2F%3FDoes-Your-Company-Have-a-Social-Media-Plan%3F%26id%3D3303009&tld=com&lang=en&la=1458417152&tm=1459759358&text=site%3Aezinearticles.com%20social%20media%20inurl%3Aid&l10n=en&mime=html&sign=b621c69f02e7f37deb5816c8da61075d&keyno=0#YANDEX_30"></a><span class='highlight highlight_active'> social </span><a href="http://hghltd.yandex.net/yandbtm?fmode=inject&url=http%3A%2F%2Fezinearticles.com%2F%3FDoes-Your-Company-Have-a-Social-Media-Plan%3F%26id%3D3303009&tld=com&lang=en&la=1458417152&tm=1459759358&text=site%3Aezinearticles.com%20social%20media%20inurl%3Aid&l10n=en&mime=html&sign=b621c69f02e7f37deb5816c8da61075d&keyno=0#YANDEX_32"></a></nobr> <a name="YANDEX_32"></a><nobr><a href="http://hghltd.yandex.net/yandbtm?fmode=inject&url=http%3A%2F%2Fezinearticles.com%2F%3FDoes-Your-Company-Have-a-Social-Media-Plan%3F%26id%3D3303009&tld=com&lang=en&la=1458417152&tm=1459759358&text=site%3Aezinearticles.com%20social%20media%20inurl%3Aid&l10n=en&mime=html&sign=b621c69f02e7f37deb5816c8da61075d&keyno=0#YANDEX_31"></a><span class='highlight highlight_active'> media </span><a href="http://hghltd.yandex.net/yandbtm?fmode=inject&url=http%3A%2F%2Fezinearticles.com%2F%3FDoes-Your-Company-Have-a-Social-Media-Plan%3F%26id%3D3303009&tld=com&lang=en&la=1458417152&tm=1459759358&text=site%3Aezinearticles.com%20social%20media%20inurl%3Aid&l10n=en&mime=html&sign=b621c69f02e7f37deb5816c8da61075d&keyno=0#YANDEX_33"></a></nobr> and conversion marketing space.</p><p><b><a name="YANDEX_33"></a><nobr><a href="http://hghltd.yandex.net/yandbtm?fmode=inject&url=http%3A%2F%2Fezinearticles.com%2F%3FDoes-Your-Company-Have-a-Social-Media-Plan%3F%26id%3D3303009&tld=com&lang=en&la=1458417152&tm=1459759358&text=site%3Aezinearticles.com%20social%20media%20inurl%3Aid&l10n=en&mime=html&sign=b621c69f02e7f37deb5816c8da61075d&keyno=0#YANDEX_32"></a><span class='highlight highlight_active'> Social </span><a href="http://hghltd.yandex.net/yandbtm?fmode=inject&url=http%3A%2F%2Fezinearticles.com%2F%3FDoes-Your-Company-Have-a-Social-Media-Plan%3F%26id%3D3303009&tld=com&lang=en&la=1458417152&tm=1459759358&text=site%3Aezinearticles.com%20social%20media%20inurl%3Aid&l10n=en&mime=html&sign=b621c69f02e7f37deb5816c8da61075d&keyno=0#YANDEX_34"></a></nobr> <a name="YANDEX_34"></a><nobr><a href="http://hghltd.yandex.net/yandbtm?fmode=inject&url=http%3A%2F%2Fezinearticles.com%2F%3FDoes-Your-Company-Have-a-Social-Media-Plan%3F%26id%3D3303009&tld=com&lang=en&la=1458417152&tm=1459759358&text=site%3Aezinearticles.com%20social%20media%20inurl%3Aid&l10n=en&mime=html&sign=b621c69f02e7f37deb5816c8da61075d&keyno=0#YANDEX_33"></a><span class='highlight highlight_active'> Media </span><a href="http://hghltd.yandex.net/yandbtm?fmode=inject&url=http%3A%2F%2Fezinearticles.com%2F%3FDoes-Your-Company-Have-a-Social-Media-Plan%3F%26id%3D3303009&tld=com&lang=en&la=1458417152&tm=1459759358&text=site%3Aezinearticles.com%20social%20media%20inurl%3Aid&l10n=en&mime=html&sign=b621c69f02e7f37deb5816c8da61075d&keyno=0#YANDEX_35"></a></nobr> Time Commitment</b></p><p>It's essential to understand how much time you have to devote to <a name="YANDEX_35"></a><nobr><a href="http://hghltd.yandex.net/yandbtm?fmode=inject&url=http%3A%2F%2Fezinearticles.com%2F%3FDoes-Your-Company-Have-a-Social-Media-Plan%3F%26id%3D3303009&tld=com&lang=en&la=1458417152&tm=1459759358&text=site%3Aezinearticles.com%20social%20media%20inurl%3Aid&l10n=en&mime=html&sign=b621c69f02e7f37deb5816c8da61075d&keyno=0#YANDEX_34"></a><span class='highlight highlight_active'> social </span><a href="http://hghltd.yandex.net/yandbtm?fmode=inject&url=http%3A%2F%2Fezinearticles.com%2F%3FDoes-Your-Company-Have-a-Social-Media-Plan%3F%26id%3D3303009&tld=com&lang=en&la=1458417152&tm=1459759358&text=site%3Aezinearticles.com%20social%20media%20inurl%3Aid&l10n=en&mime=html&sign=b621c69f02e7f37deb5816c8da61075d&keyno=0#YANDEX_36"></a></nobr> <a name="YANDEX_36"></a><nobr><a href="http://hghltd.yandex.net/yandbtm?fmode=inject&url=http%3A%2F%2Fezinearticles.com%2F%3FDoes-Your-Company-Have-a-Social-Media-Plan%3F%26id%3D3303009&tld=com&lang=en&la=1458417152&tm=1459759358&text=site%3Aezinearticles.com%20social%20media%20inurl%3Aid&l10n=en&mime=html&sign=b621c69f02e7f37deb5816c8da61075d&keyno=0#YANDEX_35"></a><span class='highlight highlight_active'> media </span><a href="http://hghltd.yandex.net/yandbtm?fmode=inject&url=http%3A%2F%2Fezinearticles.com%2F%3FDoes-Your-Company-Have-a-Social-Media-Plan%3F%26id%3D3303009&tld=com&lang=en&la=1458417152&tm=1459759358&text=site%3Aezinearticles.com%20social%20media%20inurl%3Aid&l10n=en&mime=html&sign=b621c69f02e7f37deb5816c8da61075d&keyno=0#YANDEX_37"></a></nobr>. The online world is a vastly different place than the traditional advertising space largely due to the lightning fast and highly reciprocal communications the web presents. In terms of product marketing, people now have the ability to share experiences, provide recommendations and promote products and services with speeds unmatched in other forms of media. Positive experiences, as well as bad ones, are shared easily and can make their way through the online landscape with an immediacy never before experienced.</p><p>As a result, dipping a tentative toe in <a name="YANDEX_37"></a><nobr><a href="http://hghltd.yandex.net/yandbtm?fmode=inject&url=http%3A%2F%2Fezinearticles.com%2F%3FDoes-Your-Company-Have-a-Social-Media-Plan%3F%26id%3D3303009&tld=com&lang=en&la=1458417152&tm=1459759358&text=site%3Aezinearticles.com%20social%20media%20inurl%3Aid&l10n=en&mime=html&sign=b621c69f02e7f37deb5816c8da61075d&keyno=0#YANDEX_36"></a><span class='highlight highlight_active'> social </span><a href="http://hghltd.yandex.net/yandbtm?fmode=inject&url=http%3A%2F%2Fezinearticles.com%2F%3FDoes-Your-Company-Have-a-Social-Media-Plan%3F%26id%3D3303009&tld=com&lang=en&la=1458417152&tm=1459759358&text=site%3Aezinearticles.com%20social%20media%20inurl%3Aid&l10n=en&mime=html&sign=b621c69f02e7f37deb5816c8da61075d&keyno=0#YANDEX_38"></a></nobr> <a name="YANDEX_38"></a><nobr><a href="http://hghltd.yandex.net/yandbtm?fmode=inject&url=http%3A%2F%2Fezinearticles.com%2F%3FDoes-Your-Company-Have-a-Social-Media-Plan%3F%26id%3D3303009&tld=com&lang=en&la=1458417152&tm=1459759358&text=site%3Aezinearticles.com%20social%20media%20inurl%3Aid&l10n=en&mime=html&sign=b621c69f02e7f37deb5816c8da61075d&keyno=0#YANDEX_37"></a><span class='highlight highlight_active'> media </span><a href="http://hghltd.yandex.net/yandbtm?fmode=inject&url=http%3A%2F%2Fezinearticles.com%2F%3FDoes-Your-Company-Have-a-Social-Media-Plan%3F%26id%3D3303009&tld=com&lang=en&la=1458417152&tm=1459759358&text=site%3Aezinearticles.com%20social%20media%20inurl%3Aid&l10n=en&mime=html&sign=b621c69f02e7f37deb5816c8da61075d&keyno=0#YANDEX_39"></a></nobr> waters without knowing how to swim (or at least tread water) is a prescription for looking at the sky from the bottom of a pool. Nor is it right to spend time developing valuable online relationships, only to appear and disappear like a <a name="YANDEX_39"></a><nobr><a href="http://hghltd.yandex.net/yandbtm?fmode=inject&url=http%3A%2F%2Fezinearticles.com%2F%3FDoes-Your-Company-Have-a-Social-Media-Plan%3F%26id%3D3303009&tld=com&lang=en&la=1458417152&tm=1459759358&text=site%3Aezinearticles.com%20social%20media%20inurl%3Aid&l10n=en&mime=html&sign=b621c69f02e7f37deb5816c8da61075d&keyno=0#YANDEX_38"></a><span class='highlight highlight_active'> social </span><a href="http://hghltd.yandex.net/yandbtm?fmode=inject&url=http%3A%2F%2Fezinearticles.com%2F%3FDoes-Your-Company-Have-a-Social-Media-Plan%3F%26id%3D3303009&tld=com&lang=en&la=1458417152&tm=1459759358&text=site%3Aezinearticles.com%20social%20media%20inurl%3Aid&l10n=en&mime=html&sign=b621c69f02e7f37deb5816c8da61075d&keyno=0#YANDEX_40"></a></nobr> <a name="YANDEX_40"></a><nobr><a href="http://hghltd.yandex.net/yandbtm?fmode=inject&url=http%3A%2F%2Fezinearticles.com%2F%3FDoes-Your-Company-Have-a-Social-Media-Plan%3F%26id%3D3303009&tld=com&lang=en&la=1458417152&tm=1459759358&text=site%3Aezinearticles.com%20social%20media%20inurl%3Aid&l10n=en&mime=html&sign=b621c69f02e7f37deb5816c8da61075d&keyno=0#YANDEX_39"></a><span class='highlight highlight_active'> media </span><a href="http://hghltd.yandex.net/yandbtm?fmode=inject&url=http%3A%2F%2Fezinearticles.com%2F%3FDoes-Your-Company-Have-a-Social-Media-Plan%3F%26id%3D3303009&tld=com&lang=en&la=1458417152&tm=1459759358&text=site%3Aezinearticles.com%20social%20media%20inurl%3Aid&l10n=en&mime=html&sign=b621c69f02e7f37deb5816c8da61075d&keyno=0#YANDEX_41"></a></nobr> ninja. The best results are often achieved with steady participation, constant communication and engaging interaction with your audience. People will want to hear what you have to say as long as it provides real value to the community.</p><p>But note, online communities can spot an online poacher from a mile away! Savvy users of <a name="YANDEX_41"></a><nobr><a href="http://hghltd.yandex.net/yandbtm?fmode=inject&url=http%3A%2F%2Fezinearticles.com%2F%3FDoes-Your-Company-Have-a-Social-Media-Plan%3F%26id%3D3303009&tld=com&lang=en&la=1458417152&tm=1459759358&text=site%3Aezinearticles.com%20social%20media%20inurl%3Aid&l10n=en&mime=html&sign=b621c69f02e7f37deb5816c8da61075d&keyno=0#YANDEX_40"></a><span class='highlight highlight_active'> social </span><a href="http://hghltd.yandex.net/yandbtm?fmode=inject&url=http%3A%2F%2Fezinearticles.com%2F%3FDoes-Your-Company-Have-a-Social-Media-Plan%3F%26id%3D3303009&tld=com&lang=en&la=1458417152&tm=1459759358&text=site%3Aezinearticles.com%20social%20media%20inurl%3Aid&l10n=en&mime=html&sign=b621c69f02e7f37deb5816c8da61075d&keyno=0#YANDEX_42"></a></nobr> <a name="YANDEX_42"></a><nobr><a href="http://hghltd.yandex.net/yandbtm?fmode=inject&url=http%3A%2F%2Fezinearticles.com%2F%3FDoes-Your-Company-Have-a-Social-Media-Plan%3F%26id%3D3303009&tld=com&lang=en&la=1458417152&tm=1459759358&text=site%3Aezinearticles.com%20social%20media%20inurl%3Aid&l10n=en&mime=html&sign=b621c69f02e7f37deb5816c8da61075d&keyno=0#YANDEX_41"></a><span class='highlight highlight_active'> media </span><a href="http://hghltd.yandex.net/yandbtm?fmode=inject&url=http%3A%2F%2Fezinearticles.com%2F%3FDoes-Your-Company-Have-a-Social-Media-Plan%3F%26id%3D3303009&tld=com&lang=en&la=1458417152&tm=1459759358&text=site%3Aezinearticles.com%20social%20media%20inurl%3Aid&l10n=en&mime=html&sign=b621c69f02e7f37deb5816c8da61075d&keyno=0#YANDEX_43"></a></nobr> know what this term means but for those of you who don't, online poachers are only there for one thing: to use <a name="YANDEX_43"></a><nobr><a href="http://hghltd.yandex.net/yandbtm?fmode=inject&url=http%3A%2F%2Fezinearticles.com%2F%3FDoes-Your-Company-Have-a-Social-Media-Plan%3F%26id%3D3303009&tld=com&lang=en&la=1458417152&tm=1459759358&text=site%3Aezinearticles.com%20social%20media%20inurl%3Aid&l10n=en&mime=html&sign=b621c69f02e7f37deb5816c8da61075d&keyno=0#YANDEX_42"></a><span class='highlight highlight_active'> social </span><a href="http://hghltd.yandex.net/yandbtm?fmode=inject&url=http%3A%2F%2Fezinearticles.com%2F%3FDoes-Your-Company-Have-a-Social-Media-Plan%3F%26id%3D3303009&tld=com&lang=en&la=1458417152&tm=1459759358&text=site%3Aezinearticles.com%20social%20media%20inurl%3Aid&l10n=en&mime=html&sign=b621c69f02e7f37deb5816c8da61075d&keyno=0#YANDEX_44"></a></nobr> <a name="YANDEX_44"></a><nobr><a href="http://hghltd.yandex.net/yandbtm?fmode=inject&url=http%3A%2F%2Fezinearticles.com%2F%3FDoes-Your-Company-Have-a-Social-Media-Plan%3F%26id%3D3303009&tld=com&lang=en&la=1458417152&tm=1459759358&text=site%3Aezinearticles.com%20social%20media%20inurl%3Aid&l10n=en&mime=html&sign=b621c69f02e7f37deb5816c8da61075d&keyno=0#YANDEX_43"></a><span class='highlight highlight_active'> media </span><a href="http://hghltd.yandex.net/yandbtm?fmode=inject&url=http%3A%2F%2Fezinearticles.com%2F%3FDoes-Your-Company-Have-a-Social-Media-Plan%3F%26id%3D3303009&tld=com&lang=en&la=1458417152&tm=1459759358&text=site%3Aezinearticles.com%20social%20media%20inurl%3Aid&l10n=en&mime=html&sign=b621c69f02e7f37deb5816c8da61075d&keyno=0#YANDEX_45"></a></nobr> merely as a platform to broadcast their marketing messages in much the same manner as they would with traditional media. Don't fall into this trap. Make sure that you are prepared to get involved in more than a one way communication.</p><p>Ultimately, the only way to succeed is to make time and commit to an on-going online relationship campaign. Know that once you decide to engage your customers in the virtual world, there should be no turning back.</p><p><b>Understanding Audience Objectives Within Each Social Network:</b></p><p>What is the audience objective within each social network? The great thing about social networks is the ability to pinpoint with precision special interest groups that dovetail nicely with your company's mission. But beware the trap of hitting the "right" audience with the "wrong" message.</p><p>For example, professional networks like LinkedIn are not really the best place to deliver your sales pitch as they often fall on deaf ears. For instance, if your company sells women's high fashion clothing, you'll likely miss your mark with a buy now sales pitch on the 1,550+ entertainment groups found on LinkedIn. Here, you'll be better served offering helpful content relating more to industry news, trends, jobs and advice. On the flip side, Facebook's 100,000+ entertainment groups offer a tremendous opportunity to find and interact with audiences that may already be talking about your products. This may sound like marketing 101 stuff but no <a name="YANDEX_45"></a><nobr><a href="http://hghltd.yandex.net/yandbtm?fmode=inject&url=http%3A%2F%2Fezinearticles.com%2F%3FDoes-Your-Company-Have-a-Social-Media-Plan%3F%26id%3D3303009&tld=com&lang=en&la=1458417152&tm=1459759358&text=site%3Aezinearticles.com%20social%20media%20inurl%3Aid&l10n=en&mime=html&sign=b621c69f02e7f37deb5816c8da61075d&keyno=0#YANDEX_44"></a><span class='highlight highlight_active'> social </span><a href="http://hghltd.yandex.net/yandbtm?fmode=inject&url=http%3A%2F%2Fezinearticles.com%2F%3FDoes-Your-Company-Have-a-Social-Media-Plan%3F%26id%3D3303009&tld=com&lang=en&la=1458417152&tm=1459759358&text=site%3Aezinearticles.com%20social%20media%20inurl%3Aid&l10n=en&mime=html&sign=b621c69f02e7f37deb5816c8da61075d&keyno=0#YANDEX_46"></a></nobr> <a name="YANDEX_46"></a><nobr><a href="http://hghltd.yandex.net/yandbtm?fmode=inject&url=http%3A%2F%2Fezinearticles.com%2F%3FDoes-Your-Company-Have-a-Social-Media-Plan%3F%26id%3D3303009&tld=com&lang=en&la=1458417152&tm=1459759358&text=site%3Aezinearticles.com%20social%20media%20inurl%3Aid&l10n=en&mime=html&sign=b621c69f02e7f37deb5816c8da61075d&keyno=0#YANDEX_45"></a><span class='highlight highlight_active'> media </span><a href="http://hghltd.yandex.net/yandbtm?fmode=inject&url=http%3A%2F%2Fezinearticles.com%2F%3FDoes-Your-Company-Have-a-Social-Media-Plan%3F%26id%3D3303009&tld=com&lang=en&la=1458417152&tm=1459759358&text=site%3Aezinearticles.com%20social%20media%20inurl%3Aid&l10n=en&mime=html&sign=b621c69f02e7f37deb5816c8da61075d&keyno=0#YANDEX_47"></a></nobr> plan should be undertaken without understanding network- specific audience objectives.</p><p><b>Dovetailing <a name="YANDEX_47"></a><nobr><a href="http://hghltd.yandex.net/yandbtm?fmode=inject&url=http%3A%2F%2Fezinearticles.com%2F%3FDoes-Your-Company-Have-a-Social-Media-Plan%3F%26id%3D3303009&tld=com&lang=en&la=1458417152&tm=1459759358&text=site%3Aezinearticles.com%20social%20media%20inurl%3Aid&l10n=en&mime=html&sign=b621c69f02e7f37deb5816c8da61075d&keyno=0#YANDEX_46"></a><span class='highlight highlight_active'> Social </span><a href="http://hghltd.yandex.net/yandbtm?fmode=inject&url=http%3A%2F%2Fezinearticles.com%2F%3FDoes-Your-Company-Have-a-Social-Media-Plan%3F%26id%3D3303009&tld=com&lang=en&la=1458417152&tm=1459759358&text=site%3Aezinearticles.com%20social%20media%20inurl%3Aid&l10n=en&mime=html&sign=b621c69f02e7f37deb5816c8da61075d&keyno=0#YANDEX_48"></a></nobr> <a name="YANDEX_48"></a><nobr><a href="http://hghltd.yandex.net/yandbtm?fmode=inject&url=http%3A%2F%2Fezinearticles.com%2F%3FDoes-Your-Company-Have-a-Social-Media-Plan%3F%26id%3D3303009&tld=com&lang=en&la=1458417152&tm=1459759358&text=site%3Aezinearticles.com%20social%20media%20inurl%3Aid&l10n=en&mime=html&sign=b621c69f02e7f37deb5816c8da61075d&keyno=0#YANDEX_47"></a><span class='highlight highlight_active'> Media </span><a href="http://hghltd.yandex.net/yandbtm?fmode=inject&url=http%3A%2F%2Fezinearticles.com%2F%3FDoes-Your-Company-Have-a-Social-Media-Plan%3F%26id%3D3303009&tld=com&lang=en&la=1458417152&tm=1459759358&text=site%3Aezinearticles.com%20social%20media%20inurl%3Aid&l10n=en&mime=html&sign=b621c69f02e7f37deb5816c8da61075d&keyno=0#YANDEX_49"></a></nobr> Objectives with Where Your Customers "Live" </b></p><p>This said, where do you go online to find that audience? Social networks, much like traditional marketing channels, do tend to cater to specific audiences. However, unlike offline marketing <a name="YANDEX_49"></a><nobr><a href="http://hghltd.yandex.net/yandbtm?fmode=inject&url=http%3A%2F%2Fezinearticles.com%2F%3FDoes-Your-Company-Have-a-Social-Media-Plan%3F%26id%3D3303009&tld=com&lang=en&la=1458417152&tm=1459759358&text=site%3Aezinearticles.com%20social%20media%20inurl%3Aid&l10n=en&mime=html&sign=b621c69f02e7f37deb5816c8da61075d&keyno=0#YANDEX_48"></a><span class='highlight highlight_active'> mediums </span><a href="http://hghltd.yandex.net/yandbtm?fmode=inject&url=http%3A%2F%2Fezinearticles.com%2F%3FDoes-Your-Company-Have-a-Social-Media-Plan%3F%26id%3D3303009&tld=com&lang=en&la=1458417152&tm=1459759358&text=site%3Aezinearticles.com%20social%20media%20inurl%3Aid&l10n=en&mime=html&sign=b621c69f02e7f37deb5816c8da61075d&keyno=0#YANDEX_50"></a></nobr>, <a name="YANDEX_50"></a><nobr><a href="http://hghltd.yandex.net/yandbtm?fmode=inject&url=http%3A%2F%2Fezinearticles.com%2F%3FDoes-Your-Company-Have-a-Social-Media-Plan%3F%26id%3D3303009&tld=com&lang=en&la=1458417152&tm=1459759358&text=site%3Aezinearticles.com%20social%20media%20inurl%3Aid&l10n=en&mime=html&sign=b621c69f02e7f37deb5816c8da61075d&keyno=0#YANDEX_49"></a><span class='highlight highlight_active'> social </span><a href="http://hghltd.yandex.net/yandbtm?fmode=inject&url=http%3A%2F%2Fezinearticles.com%2F%3FDoes-Your-Company-Have-a-Social-Media-Plan%3F%26id%3D3303009&tld=com&lang=en&la=1458417152&tm=1459759358&text=site%3Aezinearticles.com%20social%20media%20inurl%3Aid&l10n=en&mime=html&sign=b621c69f02e7f37deb5816c8da61075d&keyno=0#YANDEX_51"></a></nobr> networks require companies to engage with consumers on their own terms. Therefore, it's important to do some research to find out which social networks are right for your business' message.</p><p>At a high level, social networks like LinkedIn focus more on professionals while Faceook and MySpace are more informal and cater to X and Y gen audiences alike. But the real value (and opportunity) with sites like LinkedIn and Facebook rests in the ability to get involved with a variety of mini networks such as Groups, Pages and Causes.</p><p>Here, businesses can find and interact with consumers in a highly relevant setting. Say your company sells high performance mountain bikes. There are currently an amazing number of Facebook Groups (3,600) devoted to mountain biking and over 35 on LinkedIn! Your company's target audience is here and might already be talking about your products so why not join in the conversation?</p><p>Facebook allows companies to create a free Fan Page where your product evangelists can "Become a Fan" and get breaking news, tips and even special Fan discount offers. In addition, Fan Pages can be marketed to other Facebook users much like the way Google's AdWords paid search service works. If your company doesn't already have a Facebook Fan Page, it is highly recommended to start one now.</p><p>The internet marketing era may have only come about in the decade or so but the rate of evolution is, to put it mildly, a revolution. We haven't yet reached the pinnacle nor can anyone say for sure where <a name="YANDEX_51"></a><nobr><a href="http://hghltd.yandex.net/yandbtm?fmode=inject&url=http%3A%2F%2Fezinearticles.com%2F%3FDoes-Your-Company-Have-a-Social-Media-Plan%3F%26id%3D3303009&tld=com&lang=en&la=1458417152&tm=1459759358&text=site%3Aezinearticles.com%20social%20media%20inurl%3Aid&l10n=en&mime=html&sign=b621c69f02e7f37deb5816c8da61075d&keyno=0#YANDEX_50"></a><span class='highlight highlight_active'> social </span><a href="http://hghltd.yandex.net/yandbtm?fmode=inject&url=http%3A%2F%2Fezinearticles.com%2F%3FDoes-Your-Company-Have-a-Social-Media-Plan%3F%26id%3D3303009&tld=com&lang=en&la=1458417152&tm=1459759358&text=site%3Aezinearticles.com%20social%20media%20inurl%3Aid&l10n=en&mime=html&sign=b621c69f02e7f37deb5816c8da61075d&keyno=0#YANDEX_52"></a></nobr> <a name="YANDEX_52"></a><nobr><a href="http://hghltd.yandex.net/yandbtm?fmode=inject&url=http%3A%2F%2Fezinearticles.com%2F%3FDoes-Your-Company-Have-a-Social-Media-Plan%3F%26id%3D3303009&tld=com&lang=en&la=1458417152&tm=1459759358&text=site%3Aezinearticles.com%20social%20media%20inurl%3Aid&l10n=en&mime=html&sign=b621c69f02e7f37deb5816c8da61075d&keyno=0#YANDEX_51"></a><span class='highlight highlight_active'> media </span><a href="http://hghltd.yandex.net/yandbtm?fmode=inject&url=http%3A%2F%2Fezinearticles.com%2F%3FDoes-Your-Company-Have-a-Social-Media-Plan%3F%26id%3D3303009&tld=com&lang=en&la=1458417152&tm=1459759358&text=site%3Aezinearticles.com%20social%20media%20inurl%3Aid&l10n=en&mime=html&sign=b621c69f02e7f37deb5816c8da61075d&keyno=0#YANDEX_53"></a></nobr> will be or what role it will play in business communications in the coming years but one thing is certain, having the right plan and committing to its proper execution will place your company at the forefront of the new age of digital communications.</p> </div><br/> <br/> <br/><br><a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?Does-Your-Company-Have-a-Social-Media-Plan?&id=3303009">Source</a> by <a href="http://ezinearticles.com/expert/Jim_W_Gibson/442659">Jim W Gibson</a>

science social media social media marketing technology Does Your Company Have a Social Media Plan?

 Social   media  and conversation marketing have the potential for transforming brands like no other communication methodology ever e...

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