importance of social media

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