SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING REFERS TO THE PROCESS OF GAINING TRAFFIC OR ATTENTION THROUGH SOCIAL MEDIA SITES.
Social media itself is a catch-all term for sites that may provide radically different social actions. For instance, Twitter is a social site designed to let people share short messages or “updates” with others. Facebook, in contrast is a full-blown social networking site that allows for sharing updates, photos, joining events and a variety of other activities.
HOW ARE SEARCH + SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING RELATED?
Why would a business who has a website which comes up in a search engine care about social media? Because the two are very closely related.
Social media often feeds into the discovery of new content such as news stories, and “discovery” is a search activity.
Social media can also help build links that in turn support into SEO efforts.
Many people also perform searches at social media sites to find social media content.
Social connections may also impact the relevancy of some search results, either within a social media network or at a ‘mainstream’ search engine.
A current feed (daily updates) ensures your brand is top of the news stream or search results. This means potential customers are more likely to find you.
An active community on social media channels leads to community which leads toengaged customers who keep coming back and using your product/service.
A personal touch to your brand makes people feel connected to you in a unique way, wanting to share in the experience that is your brand.
Including your customers in your giveaways, sales information, ongoings behind the scenes makes them feel supportive + patriotic.
Having social channels lends to transparency for your brand which means feedback from your audience.
This all means more feet through the door, a deeper understanding of your clients, a chance to improve your service or product and better (bigger!) business.
WHY YOU’RE SEEING MORE HASHTAG STICKERS ON SHOP WINDOWS
Hashtagging is a popular way for brands to run competitions, giveaway tickets to events + generally get people talking about the brand.
Here in Cape Town, it’s become a hot trend to see shops such as Topshop, Mr Price, Zara, Guess, Sunglass Hut + other fashion stores display hashtags on their windows. This isn’t just limited to clothing stores, though. Places like Woolworths, Pick ‘n Pay, Mac, CNA or even coffee shops like Vida e Caffè are catching on. In fact, you’ll see references to social media channels pretty much everywhere now – banks, bars, theatres, camera stores, bookstores, restaurants and even liquor stores have some kind of “voice” set up online. It’s about:
+ community
+ brand awareness
+ audience interaction
+ discovery
+ feedback
+ influence
+ reach
+ growing business
