Hang around with a couple of Internet marketers and you bound to hear the words “social media” or “web 2.0” (which is pretty much the same thing) every now and then.
Before getting to know why it is important to Internet marketers, you should first ask “what is social media”?
Everyday before work you go through the morning paper or perhaps listen to the radio to keep yourself updated on the latest news. The newspaper and radio are forms of media, a type of communication.
As you would have guessed, “web 2.0” or “social media” is a type of communication, e.g. Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. Due to their huge user base, it would come as no surprise why getting in tune with these kinds of networking services is important for Internet marketers.
Why Social Media?
First of all, social media is a great advertising tool.
Anyone can view the contents you post up. It is not limited to hundred of people only. For example, Facebook and Twitters have millions of registered users and that means there are millions of possible visitors. The easiest way to get people to spread the word for you is to be unique.
You should read more about Facebook Viral Marketing and ensure you get your slice of the massive social media pie while you still can!
Getting your products or websites known is not easy due to huge competition.
After all, you are not the only fish in the pond. By using Facebook or Twitter, you can get your friends and families to help you spread the word. This method is easy, free and has the potential to go viral.
Second, using these new media strategies is a great way to make your presence known. You want to get as much exposure as possible, getting people to know who you are. There’s no better way than to participate in social media… which is by far the most popular communication tool of today.
It is recommended to join as many social media networks as possible but only focus on a few.
Let say your blog is your main social media platform and you keep it updated with articles or product information. From there you can spread the word about your blogs through other networking sites like Facebook or Twitter. This way you need not spend much effort providing special content for each social media but at the same time, still get the word out to as many people as you can.
Market Research
Social media can be used as a market research. People love to share things on Facebook, Twitter, Facebook – the list goes on…
Take a look at what’s popular, find a gap and fulfill it.
One of the best ways to make sure you come up with a product your market would want is to find out what problems they are facing. Through use of these free tools, you’ll be able to pin point what they need and maybe even find the solution directly from your market as well.