2009 has arrived and brings much uncertainty especially given the global economic downturn and the possibility of a recession in T&T. As a marketer in an advertising agency, I’ve already seen clients both private and public sector begin to cut down on the 2009 marketing and advertising budgets. The newspapers have already raised their rates and radio and TV will follow soon. Traditional advertising has therefore become even more expensive. So what are the effective alternatives?
Social Media and networking has exploded in 2008 and has even more potential in 2009. Social Media Marketing is the art of influencing word of mouth. It is all about participating with people in social forums on the Internet by providing them with value adding content. Given that a large percentage of customers are now online (and most practically live on Facebook), how can we capitalize on this to connect with customers and start a conversation?
Below are 10 social media predictions adapted from Windchimes, a social media agency.
So there you have it, 10 predictions made by Windchimes. How many do you believe will come true? Is your company even thinking about the impact? Word of mouth is a personal nature of communication between individuals. There are distinct benefits that this form of communications enjoys over mass media:
- Higher credibility:
Research highlights that individuals are more inclined to believe WOMM than more formal forms of promotion methods. It enjoys more credibility
- Increased engagement:
As social media involves participation from all, the engagement levels generated with individuals are far higher than other communication mediums
- More Brand Loyalty:
Higher engagement levels help in building more brand ambassadors
- Higher degree of customization:
Brand content can be customized as per the community or groups
- Low media wastage:
As brand communication is targeted to specific target group, there is no media wastage
So where do you stand?
The last word goes to anthropologist Margaret Mead, a student of tribes for much of her life, who said: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
Blogger: dr
