What is Social Media Marketing?

Social Media Marketing refers to the process of gaining website traffic or attention through social media sites. Social media is a general term used to describe various websites/technologies that support the creation and exchange of user generated content online.

They basically facilitate the interaction, sharing of information, and the building of relationships amongst the users. The main examples of these are Facebook, Twitter, Google+, YouTube, LinkedIn, etc…

Social media has changed the marketing landscape. A rapidly growing number of businesses are now using social media as an integral part of their sales and marketing plans. Before social media, businesses had almost total control over their marketing message and the medium they use.

And now, with social media, individuals have their own platforms and becoming somewhat influential. Dialogue and relationships with these individuals are starting to become a critical element in forming relationships for businesses.

Why do I need Social Media Marketing?

Whether you are using social media or not — most of your customers are! In addition, most of your competitors are also using social media. If you are not currently using social media, it is time that you start considering it for your company to stay competitive.

Among other things, you can use social media to reach out to your current and potential customers, increase your company’s reach and exposure, and help you sell your products and services.

And indirectly, social media helps websites rank higher in search engines like Google. For some, this alone is reason enough to at least start using it even in a minimal way.

Top 10 Benefits of Social Media Marketing:

1. Builds stronger relationships with existing customers and attracts new customers.
2. Provides up-to-the-minute information about your company, products and services to many people.
3. Increases customer interaction, improves customer service and wins customer confidence.
4. Gives your company the ability to target specific groups through the many forms of Social Media.
5. Communicates on a personal basis with your individual customers and groups.
6. Finds out what customers think of your business and receives feedback.
7. Identifies new product or service opportunities.
8. Receives greater favorable perceptions of your company brand.
9. Increases search engine ranking and increases web traffic to your company’s website.
10. Increases lead generation to increase sales.