WHY SOCIAL MEDIA IS IMPORTANT FOR THE ORGANIZATION.
According
to P. Kotler, the importance of social media in marketing
He started with the concept of marketing mix, the
4 Ps of marketing- Product, Place, Price and Promotions. With a right mix of
these four, you have your marketing plan in place. Can we use the same rules
for targeting your customers now? Try explaining these concepts to an 18 year
old and be prepared to face ridicule. The traditional lifestyles of people have
changed- Is your target audience still reading printed newspapers or magazines?
Are they still watching that one popular show where the entire family gathers
on a Sunday morning? So where are they then? On the world wide web- probably
liking or sharing a post on face book, enquiring regarding finding
accommodation on twitter, commenting on a movie review posted on a blog,
repining an amazing dress design they saw on their pin board or watching an
advertisement released on you tube.
Reasons why Social Media Marketing is
critical for your organization.
1.
Internets users of Social media will cross soon too, not only
are users increasing, the average time spent on the net especial on sites like
Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and LinkedIn is also on the rise. Social is the
fastest growing digital medium and it makes complete sense to catch the
prospective customers where they are.
2.
The costs involved are miniscule as compared to traditional media.
Sometimes free. You don’t need large budgets what is more important is your
content. Are you worth a retweet/ share/ going viral Are you engaging enough?
3.
You are not dependent on an external medium you are your own
publisher. You thus have greater control over the content and timing.
4.
It is multidimensional. You can use the tools of social media in
various tools of Marketing Research, Brand building, PR, Sales, Investor Relations,
Analysis, Direct Marketing, Tracking, Promotions and the works.
5.
There is greater scope for integration. Social Media is
not a standalone tool. One of the primary advantages of using social media
marketing is that you obtain numerous links to your website and blog from
multiple sources. Also, if integrated intelligently with mainstream
marketing tools, it will help manifold to enhance your brand.
6.
It is fast. Gone are the days when you prepared months in
advance to release an advertisement. Ads are now created within hours,
sometimes minutes as well.
7.
Many of us rely on reviews on social media sites before we buy a
product or service. It is the fastest growing and one of the most reliable word
of mouth medium. If you are listening to the consumers, it can also serve
as a great research tool to find out what your customers like about you and
what the grey areas are.
8.
It’s a great tool for cultivating a community and drive
engagement.
9.
The opportunity to manage your reputation is immense You can
respond to complaints in a timely manner, encourage people to talk about their
good experiences with your company and keep an eye on what is being said about
you in general.
CONCLUSION
Though the merits are many, all is not shiny
as far as social media is concerned. There are challenges as well. If not
managed well, reputation built over the years can shatter in days. It may cost
millions, topple governments, tarnish reputation brand. Nevertheless the
attraction of using social media is huge. Widest reach at negligible costs
makes it worthwhile to be present.
BY MDODO REBECCA, J
BAPRM-42614
No comments:
Post a Comment