8/25/2011

Thinking Thursday: Some Social Media Food for Thought
Provided by Entourage Marketing

Social media has been on the rise in business with every year that passes, but the question is what are the benefits and what change can be expected?  Overall, several positive outcomes are found when companies implement social media into their marketing plans.  According to the 2011 Media Marketing Report, an astounding 93% of companies are using social media and are reaping the benefits every step of the way.

One of the benefits I have discovered through my research is the reiterated importance of establishing an original presence and through doing this achieving a means to influence the perceived differentiation of your company from the rest.

Another consistent aspect that stood out to me in my research is how social media works as a great way of connecting businesses with the consumer through allowing them a medium to have voice. The potential growth of the consumer-business relationship through social media is limitless.

After reviewing the 2011 Social Media Marketing Report, the only question left lingering is why isn’t every company utilizing this seemingly perfect outlet for their company’s benefit?  Social media did not become widely popular until a few years ago and was mainly used for personal reasons. It wasn’t until recently that businesses started realizing it’s full potential for being a marketing sensation.

Although many would assume everyone has to be on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn etc. there are still many people who are unfamiliar with the power these platforms contain.  Lack of knowledge is the number one factor of why businesses are not using social media to it’s full potential.  This becomes more themed across the older population as we see evidence of individuals in their 20’s to be better accustomed to social media. This is due to that fact that they have grown up in the digital age and has become implemented part of their social structure.  Social media popularity is forecasted to increase and according to Mashable, social media spending will only increase as well.  The incentive for businesses to invest time and effort into social media is more important than ever, it’s becoming a necessity.

According to the Social Media Marketing report, three-fourths of businesses that are currently using social media plan on increasing it’s usage with the coming year because of the success it has brought to their company. Obviously, these companies are seeing more than one positive attribute coming from their social media efforts.  The most recognized advantage from the use of social media is creating more familiarity with their business to the public while simultaneously getting more consumers through their door.  Advances in social media have also lead to a decrease in other marketing effort costs and a higher priority of a companies’ status on a search engine.  It is important to note that a little effort goes a long way, even companies utilizing social media for minimal hours a week are seeing results.  Although you don’t need to spend all hours of the day on social media efforts, it is still important to make a plan and follow a structure.  The best of intentions can fail if the right idea is not conveyed correctly to the public.

Written by Allie Huskey