When and Where to Use Social Media
Once a company has signed onto social media as part of its marketing plan, when is the best time to use it? How often should your sites be updated?
The answers may vary according to each company, but a few guidelines can help. In spite of its exciting potential, overuse is to be avoided. Online etiquette fits in here. With the interactive aspects of social media, customers are likely to let you know if you are being annoying. Misuse, such as failing to follow a site’s written or unwritten rules, is not advised. Some marketing experts say social media shouldn’t be used for the “hard sell.” It’s more about establishing awareness, credibility, your company’s brand – some might call it the “soft sell.”
Underuse can also be a problem, ie: no blog postings for months will likely result in lost followers. Inefficient use can result in spending too much valuable company time on online activities that don’t fit with the business’s planned marketing strategy.
56% of small U.S. businesses are NOT using Social Media, according to a spring 2011 study by www.emarketer.com . Canadian statistics follow closely.
WHERE TO USE SOCIAL MEDIA
Anytime, anywhere? On the bus, in the airport, on a business trip, at the golf course, on vacation (heaven forbid!)
Ken McGrath, Director at BeeLinkt Marketing Inc, says: ”Mobile (on a smart phone) is the most up and coming of the “Where” aspect of social media. There are social media apps for iPhone including iPad 1 & 2, Android phones and tablets, Samsung Galaxy is one. If WiFi is not available, then smart phones connect with a data line and work anywhere a cell phone does, but with an extra cost on your cell phone bill for a “Data” charge.”
Now here’s where things can get mystifying! Is this the time to call in an expert for advice?
Stay tuned for more news as this amazing communications revolution unfolds.
