What did you
learn from the God of Marketing- a certain Philip Kotler? 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 pinboard or watching an advertisement released on you tube.
What you can do with Social Media
- First, social media can be used for marketing. It can be used for building awareness, demand and lead creation and all this at relatively low costs. It also increases customer engagement, dialogue and advocacy. This can be done through rich content, social category and social networking platforms.
- Second, social media can be used for talent management. It can be used for recruiting new talent and training employees. This can be achieved using rich content and social networking platforms.
- Third, social media can be used for project management. It can be used to share content and find experts when needed. This can be achieved by using real-time content and social networking platforms.
- Fourth, social media can be used for innovation. It can be used for crowd sourcing ideas from customers, suppliers and employees. This can be achieved using social networking platforms.
10 big reasons
why Social Media Marketing is critical for your organization.
1.
Indian internet users have already crossed Cable and Satellite
TV households. Social media users will cross soon too. Not only are users
increasing, the average time spent on the net (esp. on SCM 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 viz. Research, CRM, 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. Case in point- the Oreo ad during Super Bowl blackout.
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 are the grey areas.
8. India
is a young nation. More than half of its 1.2 billion people is aged below
25, and two-thirds below 35. 85% of young India is hooked on to some or
more social networking sites. Do the math and you know why it is important
to be active on Social Media.
9. It’s
a great tool for cultivating a community and drive engagement.
10. 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.
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.
About Digikraf
Digikraf
specialises in Strategic Internet & Social Media Marketing solutions:- Social media marketing
(social network marketing in facebook, myspace and other leading social
network, social bookmarking, and online community websites)
- Viral marketing - email
and viral internet marketing
- Email marketing - email
lists, newsletter design
- Video marketing
- Movie, television and
feature film Internet marketing
- Microsite web
development
- Marketing website
development
Contact Us:-
91-22-32095052
/ 91-22-25327553 /
info@digikraf.com
info@digikraf.com
No comments:
Post a Comment