For any business’ marketing strategy, social media is an important topic. Some will defended it to the point of believing that just being present in social media arena is sufficient while others may dubious towards its effectiveness. So, what are the real truths and myths of social media?
#1. One social media platform is the same as any other – Myth
Active usersvary in age and social levels. Between Facebook, Twitter and YouTube, there are a total of 1.2 million daily visitors, while general Internet users worldwide number around 2.267 million. By definition, all these users have different interests, goals and desires. As such, they gravitate toward different services that best fit those needs. Facebook is great for social / friendly interactions. Twitter is great for keeping up with industry paragons, and real-time news / information consumers. Instagram is great for real-time visual news and company updates. LinkedIn is a wonderful business networking and directory tool… Pheed and ask.fm are the places your kids have moved on to and hang out on…. The list goes on and on.
#2. Your company should participate in as many social media networks as possible – Myth
This is another common misassumption. While everybusiness can finduseful social networks to participate in, itdoesnot mean thatevery brandneedsto be everywhere. A properly managed social media campaignmeans strategic targeting social media networks your business is tailored to thrive within then focusing your efforts to maintain those profiles to maximize impact.
# 3. Anyone can manage an effective social media campaign – Myth
It is often thought that the use of social networksisthesame as professionally managing a company’ssocial media presence. Itisnot.Properly managed social media outreach requires understand your business brand, maximize engagement, effective outreach strategies, the subtleties between the different profiles, how to leverage one’s following and how to synergize with multichannel marketing efforts. You don’t want to go with the hackneyed approach of throwing things on the wall to see what sticks. You social profiles are your company’s public face. Mismanaged orarbitrarily managed social campaigns can cause significant damage to your company’s image, brand and sale volume.
#4. Not every business is meant for social media – Truth
While it is never a bad idea to have a presence on the various social media platforms so you can be more easily found on the Web, not every business is going to thrive there. Where an entertainment based business is naturally positioned to do well, a funeral home is certainly not. So, plan ahead and deploy your efforts wisely.
#5. Followers are consumers – Myth
Having manyfollowers does not necessarily mean having many customers. A segment of your followers might not have been sincerely interested when they liked your page;another segment might be interested but not yet ready to try your product out. By properly engaging your followers, cultivating their interest and their loyalty to your brand, you will be able to develop your following into consumers of your goods and services.
#6. Communication nowadays can be reduced to social networks – Myth
Social media is only one potential component to a business’ healthy Web presence. A good website, coupled with search engine optimization, reputation management, email marketing campaigns, media buys et al. should be considered. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket and look at all the various marketing channels available to identify the greatest opportunity for multichannel synergy and ROI.
#7. A platform like Facebook or Twitter can’t be used for serious purposes – Myth
We’ve all seen the endless meaningless posts of hubris, narcissism and stupidity… “I just ate the best eggs this morning”… “Jane just check into the car wash”…Tim is the new 4square mayor of In and Out Burger”… it is maddening. All of these insignificant facts have created social noise and have led some businesses to believe that popular social networks are not a serious way of doingb usiness. While this is understandable, nothing could be further from the truth. With over 840 million users on Facebook and 140 millionon Twitter, social media is a powerful marketing channel with incredible reach.
Thank you for taking the time to read our social media myths article. Check back often for more information on Web marketing tips and tricks.
