Social media use web-based tools for communication and for the sharing of ideas within social networks. They account for most internet traffic and have drastically grown in popularity over the years. Sites such as MySpace, Twitter and Facebook are commonly used as social links to various communities, and utilize all the new technological advances the Internet has to offer. Why are these sites so popular? It comes down to the fact that human beings are a social species. People want to communicate and connect – it makes sense that these sites have become a regular part of everyone’s lives. What businesses are beginning to realize is that sites such as MySpace may offer countless opportunities in the world of marketing.
The best marketing strategies involve communication with potential customers, identifying the needs and wants of a community, quickly targeting specific groups of people, gaining knowledge of competitors, and advertising. All of these are hard to tackle, and web-based social networks like Myspace provide companies the tools they need to be successful in these areas.
How does MySpace mix with marketing?
- New generations are being born into a world of technology. Due to the sometimes overwhelming stimuli that new technologies can offer, individuals of today are becoming desensitized, and it takes additional stimulation to catch their attention. This can be a difficult task, but social networking sites like MySpace offer companies tools for creating eye-catching web pages to publish their information. Nowadays, customers are less likely to call a company to hear about services offered – they are becoming increasingly dependent on the Internet for information. If a company has a MySpace page, clients may even log-in to their MySpace accounts to get what they need. Developing a MySpace page is therefore a logical step for many companies that are looking to expand sales.
- Companies must find customers that are interested in their products. Locating customers the old-fashioned way can be difficult at best, and finding the right customers can be even harder. MySpace and other social networking sites allow users to search profile texts, which can help identify target groups more efficiently. Moreover, MySpace has a tool that automates the selection of target groups by sending out friend requests automatically. Individuals that are potentially more profitable to a company are instantly contacted. This tool can also limit searches geographically. Users market their products or services without the need for manual labor.
- Companies know that in order to maintain relationships with existing customers, they need to provide continual feedback and web-based resources. MySpace creates an entertaining forum for customers to interact and share their thoughts about a product. Customers have access to blogs that are often tracked by marketers seeking product feedback and customer comments. This allows businesses the opportunity to make quick responses and to adjust their marketing techniques.
- Myspace users also have access to video, image, and promotional tools. Companies can use these tools to promote products and provide additional information to their customers. Myspace provides users with an image uploading tool. This service allows users to post images that contain logos and other positive messages about their companies. Many users choose to post links on their web pages, which direct customers back to main web pages.
The growth in technology has resulted in the use of social networking sites for marketing advancements. When implemented correctly, these networks can play important roles in the world of business. Since over 60 percent of Americans use some form of social media to interact with companies online, the step towards web-based communication is inevitable.
