Social Media Marketing

What is Social Media?

Web 2.0 is a phrase coined by Internet experts for a new generation of applications that centre around user interactivity. This move from static to interactive websites led to a completely new way of comunicating with other Internet users, including Blogs, Wikis, Discussion Forums, Social Networking, Social Bookmarking, Online Communities and Lifestreaming. Even major media operators such as the BBC encourage user generated content and open discussions on news stories and features.

What all of these mean for users is that site owners no longer drive content. Site owners provide a structure and visitors provide content through their own discussions, experiences and interests. Business staff, customers and partners interact within a peer level social network, and a brand is developed based on communication and trust rather than marketing budget.

What are some of the Social Media channels?

• 1Wikipedia – A user maintained and peer reviewed online encyclopedia
• 2Facebook – A community that connects ‘friends’ and lets them send messages and play games together
• 3Second Life – A virtual world where users can interact with each other in various ways
• 4LinkedIn – An online community aimed at professionals
• 5MySpace – An online community similar to Facebook
• 6Delicious – A service that allows users to mark websites that they want to share with other users
• 7Blogger – A web logging or ‘blogging’ site that allows users to maintain their own news pages
• 8Twitter – A ‘micro blogging’ site that allows users to send short messages within peer communities
• 9YouTube – A video sharing site where consumers and professionals can share a wide range of short videos

What is Social Media Marketing?

As Social Media technologies become an important way for Internet users to exchange information, ideas and experiences, they become a source of peer authority which influences consumer behaviour. Because social media websites are driven by user interaction, they are often used as a marketing platform because users value the opinions of people who they know and people who they consider to be like minded.

Social Media Marketing is more of a brand building exercise than a simple product marketing activity. Explicit advertising is quickly recognised and discounted by Social Media users, however a campaign to build credibility and trust over a long period of time does lead to a stronger brand position, which in turn leads to increased sales through customer interaction and engagement.

Both personal and professional communities exist and users discuss and recommend almost any consumer or business product and service. Once you have built a following, you can share news instantly, host and encourage open debate, engage viral marketing techniques, promote events and influence customers. The important question for every website owner is, “How do I get social media users talking about my products and services?”

What are the benefits of Social Media Marketing?

• 1Social Media Marketing is a long term brand building exercise that increases your business’ credibility.
• 2Social Media Marketing is an excellent way to interact with potential customers in a peer environment.
• 3Social Media Marketing can appeal to customer who are resistant to other forms of marketing or who do not read mainstream press.
• 4Social Media Marketing can grant access to specific user communities with common interests that are exactly aligned with your products and services.
• 5Social Media Marketing extends the benefits of word of mouth loyalty to a global audience.
• 6Social Media websites bring together users from all over the world, giving you access to multiple communities of interest through a single marketing channel.
• 7Social Media complements SEO & Online PR and helps in improving your website’s overall SEO Rankings & website visibility.

What is ABSEM’s Social Media process?

The Social Media Marketing process is a complete suite of activities that develop and manage your business presence within the Social Media marketplace. Our Social Media Marketing Management service is a continual cycle of four stages.

ABSEM’s SEO Services give your website maximum visibility with all of the major search engines, while our PPC Management services keep track of your online advertising effectiveness. Our Social Media Marketing and Online PR add value to these core services, ensuring long term return on investment from your online marketing.

ABSEM’s Search Marketing expertise, packaged uniquely for your business, gives you the online marketing service that you want with the business support that you need.

Contact Us now and discover how we can transform your online business performance.