Social Media and Business

Social media is not the joke that some people make it out to be. Recently, I had a discussion with my boyfriend. It is the same discussion that we have about social media time and again. My boyfriend seems to think that social media outlets such as Facebook and Twitter are 'ridiculous' and a complete 'waste of time'. However, I cannot help but disagree as I see the value that these two social media sites provide.

Whether or not people want to admit to it, social media is here to stay. What's more is the fact that social media combined with marketing is the perfect storm for success for any business that is willing to see it for what it could potentially be: an outlet in which to reach out to their niche audience. Take, for example, a running store or similar business. They have just gotten in a new shipment of running shoes that are supposed to be top of the line. All around them, other running stores are marketing their own products by way of newspapers, and other print ads posted around town and in local flyers.

However, the owner of the store notices that most people who come into the store tend to be texting their friends or family as they wait for a sales representative to help them. So, what about a social media campaign or a marketing campaign that taps into mobile media such as texting customers coupons for that particular store?

The above example is just one of many when it comes to ways that social media marketing can help a business. On the flipside, social media marketing can also hurt a business because while it puts you in touch with your customers, if you produce a product or service that isn't up to snuff, you'll be sure to hear about it. Just the other day, I was logged into Twitter when I saw a bunch of people talking negatively about a local restaurant and how horrible the service was.

How embarrassing for that owner! In a slightly different example of how companies handle negative attention in social media marketing venues; a few people were upset about a product that this one company had put out, and they were tweeting about it. Well, wouldn't you know that the owner of the company was logged into Twitter and promptly addressed their issues, subsequently resolving the entire thing?! It happened, and it's happening more frequently as business owners are starting to get with the times and get involved.

Your customers want to know that they have a direct connection to your business or product. They want to feel reassured that should something go wrong or should something work out great, that they have a direct line to the person responsible. It helps to make them feel more connected, and in return, they'll spread the love around about how great your product or service is. It seems to be an ideal situation for all involved, producing a win-win most of the time. Just make sure that whatever you do, you're putting a product or service out there that people will like!