6 replies to this topic

[Jill]

Are you one of those who aren't quite sure what social media marketing is, and are hesitant to learn about it?

I've written a new article just for you!

Scared of Social Media Marketing?

[logos1234]

Thanks Jill,

I was scared, but not so much now! I have used forums for a long time, but I suppose the difference is I haven't harnessed social media for a marketing campaign before and I think this is what scares me as it's new territory. I have a blog though, but I haven't used the right approach to it. Like you said somewhere it's about participation and community. I think I missed the point for a while, but now I can move forward.

[Jill]

Yay!

Hope it helps others too. It really was quite an awakening for me when I realized I was an old pro all along!

[harpsound]

To me social media is a segment of networking.
We all network when we are in business.
SM as usually implied is a segment that to me over represents one demographic in particular - those under 30 internationally.

In 10 years it may very well be representative for those over 40.
Our client base is women over 40 in Canada who are generally technophobic.
Quite specific.

Going after any other segment is just creating useless admin in my opinion.

I have yet to see how I get traction with my client in facebook et al at this time - so I wait a decade.
In the meanwhile I create social networks that are specific to my demographic using custom simple to use chat lists etc that are Canadian oriented.

Like you Jill I am using a more broad ranging definition of SM.
But I have more targetted control as opposed to Facebook etc which appear to be huge unnecessary timepits to me.

S

[Randy]

Scared of Social Media? Moi?

No, not scared of it as a whole. However I am very scared of the fact that if I got involved in more types of social media (eg Twitter, etc) all it'll end up doing is further distracting me from doing the real work that needs to get done. Which is obviously something that would be detrimental to my business.

I already have friends I've known for years who zip me off email if they've not seen me show up on MSN/Yahoo/AOL Messenger for a couple of days. Eventually they all learn that I turn 'em all off when I'm busy. They're too distracting to real work. Though even the old hands do start to worry when they haven't seen me online for weeks on end, as happens at least 2 or three times per year.

Moral of the story? I already have too many distractions, so don't really need any new ones. Even if they are neat looking Web 2.0 apps.

[Jill]

Very true, Randy, if you just use social media to play. But for some it can also be a marketing tool which can help get the word out about new products/services, etc.

[chrishirst]

But for some it can also be a marketing tool which can help get the word out about new products/services, etc.

And a very effective one if used properly and for the right kind of products or service. Trouble is it gets overun by the numpties announcing they now have [insert brand] in dayglo pink with green accessories.