Social Media - Beyond the hype

Social Media (SM for short) goes by many names such as: Marketing 2.0 & Web 2.0. There are also many methods for SM such as SMO – Social Media Optimisation and SMM – Social Media Marketing. But what actually IS social media?

Consider this scenario: Take every person who uses the internet and put them in one big hall. Now treat this hall like a huge exhibition. All the people with knowledge in their field or a strong opinion each have their own stand while the general users of the web are merely the observers; the people who walk around and look at these stands. We can call these people potential customers. Now this exhibition isn’t limited to any particular theme therefore anyone who is browsing this exhibition can go to a stand and learn about virtually any topic they are interested in.

There is a difference though. Some people are here to learn, some are here to share knowledge with other similar traders while the other group are trying to sell their service, product or even just their ideas. It’s hard to contain all of what’s going on under the one roof; it’s like a giant ‘mash up’ and presto that’s exactly what Social Media is.

Each individual is only interested in their own hobby or work related areas so they won’t take notice of a DIY stand if they are there to learn about hosting for their business. That’s where networks are created. Everyone there who are also there to find out about hosting start talking to each other as well as directly to the hosting company offering the service, Ideas, information, opinions and more. Those with a great service or product and those with an informative or valued opinion soon become popular within the network dedicated to hosting and people start keeping an eye out for what they say next or an interesting offer that comes up from one of the companies they have taken a liking to.

So let’s apply this thinking to the real world of Social Media. People from all countries are coming together and creating the ‘mash up’ on all known topics you could think of. They do this through ‘Social Media platforms’. This includes but is in no way limited to methods such as: Forums, Blogs, Microblogging, wikis, podcasts, images, video, bookmarking, Vlogging, wall-posting, email and instant messaging. Some of these have been around for years while some are a newly developed idea such as Microblogging.

Using Social Media from a business perspective is still a fairly new concept and most are so used to traditional methods they refuse to explore new opportunities never before done. But as you will soon find out – approach Social Media the right way and you will enjoy endless rewards and opportunities for you and your business.

The Golden C’s of Social Media:

• Competition
• Creation
• Communication
• Community
• Connected
• Creative
• Collaboration
• Creative Class
• Convergence

It’s critical that you Participate – join the conversation. Social Media is a two way street, snowball effect.

Also know how to target your audience – if you don’t know your audience you’re in trouble. Your product or service isn’t for everyone so know your target.