Facebook, LinkedIn, MySpace, YouTube, and Twitter. Tweeting on Twitter. Giving a thumbs up to a Facebook post. Blogging. What does it all mean and why does it matter?
Social networking sites have long been synonymous with the youthful generation of Internet users. However, this is beginning to change. Millions of users are joining social networks and becoming adept at Tweeting, messaging, and posting. The age of those users is dispersed across the board, ranging from teenagers to senior citizens. Given the wide range of users that encompasses a variety of demographic features, social networking is beginning to make sense for business.
As the face of social networking evolves, many businesses are trying to determine how they can tap into this media avenue. Sites such as Facebook, LinkedIn, Myspace, Twitter, and YouTube, which can be used at no cost, present a vast amount of new opportunities for companies looking to grow. From developing new marketing strategies, to connecting, communicating with and supporting customers, customer relationship management (CRM) is vitally important..
Businesses that are considering utilizing Web-based social networking applications and tools need to give consideration to what it is they are trying to get out of it. Are they looking to enhance their marketing and CRM strategies? Will they create Facebook and MySpace pages where they can share product information,converse with customers, and draw in new customers? Will they start using Twitter as a way to share updates, deal offers, and participate in conversations with customers? Will they set up a blog or newsletter on their website to give updates about the company and invite feedback? Or, will they use a combination of all these methods?
Social networking presents businesses with many options that can be very viable. Many companies are creating portals on sites such as Facebook and MySpace that allow them to present information about themselves, post videos, share pictures, post updates, and hold conversations with users. Using a tool like Facebook, companies can update their customers, or friends, with regular posts about products and upcoming events. A business might announce a special sale that is forthcoming, or a restaurant might post their lunch specials. Likewise, a company might use Twitter to send updates about those same special deals to customers on their mobile devices or computer desktops. Such social networking sites can help businesses connect with potential customers and existing customers, allowing them to inform and communicate.
Sites like Flickr and YouTube present businesses with additional opportunities to share information about themselves and attract new users, as well as support existing customers. Companies can post photographs of their products in use, photos of their employees, or videos of products in use. This can help companies add a personal touch as well as provide another means of customer support. For instance, if a customer needs to know how a particular product is supposed to function, he might turn to YouTube to find a video of it in use. This way of reaching out to customers adds another element to the customer service process and can enhance a company’s reputation.
Social networking is no longer just for kids. It offers tremendous amounts of opportunities for businesses to communicate with their existing customers, market their products, and reach new leads. From enabling customers to visualize products to opening forums for communication, businesses using social networking sites can greatly enhance their marketing and customer relationship management strategies. Determining what aspects of social networking are viable and manageable depends on the business and its needs. There are many options available. The key is to pick the right one, update it regularly with engaging content , and communicate often with potential clients to ensure businesses are getting the most out of social networking.
