Social media refers to websites which allow users to share
content such as media. Social media marketing is marketing through the
internet, with the aim of achieving marketing communication goals and branding
through the use of different social media networks. Facebook is an example of a
social media networking site, YouTube is also an example of social media site
although its’ aim is to share videos.
Businesses can use social media to market their offering to
customers as part of a company’s marketing communication. This form of marketing
is very relevant as almost everyone has an account with facebook and twitter. It allows businesses to reach a large audience
and is also an inexpensive way of marketing. Businesses can increase their
market share by attracting new customers through the use of social media as a
marketing tool. Social media marketing is also easy to do and allows the
business to spread recent news quickly.
Social media marketing provides a solution to businesses
that have a small marketing budget such as small businesses and start-up
companies allowing them to also have the opportunity to market their product.
Marketing through social media when used effectively can
help a business to build brand awareness, create a positive brand association
and maintain it, develop the business and achieve a broader customer reach.
Social media marketing also allows companies to market their
product and be eco-friendly while doing so, which is an issue that is extremely
relevant in today’s marketing environment as consumers are becoming aware of
companies becoming more environmentally friendly, by appearing to be
environmentally aware companies can entice customers from different markets.
Social media sites also offer an opportunity for companies
to observe what customers think about their product and their business. By
using customer’s feedback companies can improve their product to suit the needs
of consumers.
Companies can improve customer service through the use of
social media, allowing them to answer questions from customers quickly; this
improves customer satisfaction and strengthens the company’s relationship with
their consumers.
Social media marketing, when used effectively, can create
numerous advantages (as mentioned above) for a company at very little cost and
with little effort.
aideencoyle 