Web 2.0 is a phrase coined by Internet experts for a new generation of applications that center on user interactivity. This move from static to interactive websites led to a completely new way of communicating with other Internet users, including Blogs, Wikis, Discussion Forums, Social Networking, Social Bookmarking, and Online Communities. Even major media operators such as the BBC encourage user-generated content and open discussions on news stories and features.
What all of these means for users is that site owners no longer drive content? Site owners provide a structure and visitors provide content through their discussions, experiences, and interests. Business staff, customers and partners interact within a peer level social network, and a brand is developed based on communication and trust rather than a marketing budget.
What are some of the Social Media channels?
- 1Wikipedia – A user-maintained and peer-reviewed online encyclopedia
- 2Facebook – A community that connects ‘friends’ and lets them send messages and play games together
- 3Second Life – A virtual world where users can interact with each other in various ways
- 4LinkedIn – An online community aimed at professionals
- 5MySpace – An online community similar to Facebook
- 6 Instagram: An image and video sharing site which is the third-largest social networks with over 1 billion users
- 7Blogger – A weblogging or ‘blogging’ site that allows users to maintain their news pages
- 8Twitter – A ‘microblogging’ site that allows users to send short messages within peer communities
- 9YouTube – A video sharing site where consumers and professionals can share a wide range of short videos
What is Social Media Marketing?
As Social Media technologies become an important way for Internet users to exchange information, ideas, and experiences, they become a source of peer authority which influences consumer behavior. Because social media websites are driven by user interaction, they are often used as a marketing platform because users value the opinions of people who they know and people who they consider to be like-minded.
Both personal and professional communities exist and users discuss and recommend almost any consumer or business product and service. Once you have built a following, you can share news instantly, host and encourage open debate, engage viral marketing techniques, promote events and influence customers. The important question for every website owner is, “How do I get social media users talking about my products and services?”
What are the benefits of Social Media Marketing?
- Social Media Marketing is a long term brand building exercise that increases your business’ credibility e.g. Instagram likes and comments help to build credibility. That’s why brands consider buying Instagram likes from here.
- Social Media Marketing is an excellent way to interact with potential customers in a peer environment.
- Social Media Marketing can appeal to the customer who are resistant to other forms of marketing or who do not read the mainstream press.
- Social Media Marketing can grant access to specific user communities with common interests that are exactly aligned with your products and services.
- Social Media Marketing extends the benefits of word of mouth loyalty to a global audience.
- Social Media websites bring together users from all over the world, giving you access to multiple communities of interest through a single marketing channel.