Embrace Social Media Marketing, Don't Be Afraid

Everywhere you look, social media is being integrated in all sorts of businesses and their marketing campaigns. It can no longer be thought of as a trend, it is now a part of the daily grind for both the consumer and businesses.

For the consumer, this is the marketplace to receive trusted and unsolicited referrals to all sorts of information. Whether they’re reading about restaurants, babysitters, coupons, shopping, global news, or family updates, consumers are using their social media platforms as a means of staying informed.

Most businesses have caught on that this is a perfect place to reach their current and new customers and reach new demographics. A place where companies can create a dialogue and community that exists of a back and forth dialogue with people they're trying to market to. Marketing and advertising has turned into a "collective" process, where businesses are putting their pride aside and asking the people what they want and getting to know their customer. It breaks down the business/customer wall. This type of engagement and activity reaffirms and strengthens the consumer's loyalty to the company. It simply builds upon the brand and solidifies it.

There are many businesses that are still weary to drop their professional side. Through my consultant work, this is one of the most common statements I hear, "I don't want to ask my consumer questions because I don't want them to think I don't know what I'm doing." This question has no room in social media. Businesses are now in the conversational network that is very informal. Companies around the world, Windows, Intel, Comcast, just to name a few, have realized that with social media, telling consumers what they want will get you no where. Creating a dialogue between you and your customer, as well as asking for ideas, is not only beneficial in a company's community, it's a must.

Think of it this way, when you were in school, what were your favorite classes? Not the lectures or teachers that preached information to you, it was the discussions and interactive classrooms and teachers that really helped you learn and take pride in your education. This goes the same for social media marketing. It is a place for people to listen AND be heard and businesses need to understand that that's the way to get your brand built and followed. Give up control and hear what your customers are saying. It will only make you stronger!

If you build a great relationship with your community, the community will refer and promote your brand free of charge!

Marketers, Stay Out of My Inbox!

Yes, there was a time when email blasts worked and got the word out on new products or businesses. But now people are leaning towards referrals from Facebook, Twitter or from reviews instead of unsolicited email.

I'm not saying that we should completely abandoned email blasts, I think we need to take the "blast" out of its use and send them with a purpose. Monthly newsletters sent by email are acceptable and aren't as evasive than sending out spam.

In this era of online activity, receiving unwanted mail is just as discouraging than telemarketing calls. Consumers and potential clients will remember the businesses that invade their inbox and tell their friends and their audiences online not to endorse your brand.

Use email in conjunction with your marketing campaigns. Try not to rely solely on email blasts. With emails, you send out to your long list in hopes that one of them will click on your information but most of the time it gets rejected and thrown in the trash. The inbox has now become a filter and holds no clout with the user if it hasn't been referred or endorsed by a friend or a business they trust.

Bottom line, emails still have a place in marketing but only alongside social media campaigns and website promotions. Please join the movement to rid everyone's inbox of spam and unsolicited blasts.