Social Media Marketing

Submitted By creightonj2
Words: 2937
Pages: 12

Social Media Marketing/Networking
Joseph Creighton
Alexander Urisko

Social networking sites are very popular amongst individuals all over the world nowadays. The online social network is composed of several large well known top social networks such as Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and LinkedIn. These social networking websites create an online community of Internet users, each offering different advantages of social networking to its many members. There are three common advantages of social networking and they are communication, up-to-date information, and business opportunities. The first advantage of social networking sites is that the users can communicate regardless of distance from each other at very low cost or no cost at all. Relationships among family, friends and relatives grow closer with the use of social media. With just one click, they can share the latest news or comment on pictures uploaded to their profile. Finding new friends on social media websites is also very easy compared to the conventional method. People with low self-esteem may make their friends through these social networking sites. When users interact with each other through the Internet, it becomes easier for shy individuals or those who have low self-esteem since they don’t have to talk with people face to face. They can share and learn about cultures of other countries, people lifestyle, places of interest and many more. However, people need to be extra careful when they want to meet friends whom they know from social networking sites. They run the risk of being cheated or lead themselves into danger.
Having a social network account is a must for everyone because it can spread information quickly. For example, you can now get live traffic information updates using the popular micro-blogging site Twitter. This service will let you know of any major traffic incidents, along with timely information to help you on your way efficiently. More people get their news from the social network than from newspapers or radio. People share links to the latest in world news or sports events by e-mail, post articles on their Facebook and other networking feeds and tweet them on Twitter. In tourism industries, tourists want information about their accommodations and the destinations they travel, they search for fast information and direct answers. Social networking is a fast growing field. It is, therefore, very important for nearly every business field to take advantage of social network tools as a part of the marketing strategy. It gives a huge number of prospective clients or customers; Facebook alone has 700 million active users and growing. Online business through social networking is less expensive than any other type of advertising or marketing. It can be considered as the online version of word-of-mouth advertising. Large companies could spend millions launching a product through commercials and advertising, or they could spend a few dollars to get a blog going, to register at a few social websites interact.

-Branding
Companies can use social media channels as a way for increasing its goodwills and trustworthiness, which may ultimately result in better branding. Companies can have conversation with its’ customers, which makes a great amount of credibility among its customers.
-Lead Generation
Lead generation is another reason why companies should opt for social media marketing campaigns. Lead generation is an integral part of a company’s success and social media marketing strategies and campaigns help in targeted and relevant lead generation.
-Engage with its customers
Social media channels help make it easier and flexible when it comes to engaging with customers. Customer engagement is the most important benefits of social media marketing and this helps to retain its existing customers and also increase brand credibility. During the recent economic downfall, a lot of companies succeeded in retaining its customers with the help of