The wheel is spinning — why reinvent it now? Whether you’re a start-up or large corporation, social marketing has become a model for connecting with consumers on a personal level.
Despite what marketing gurus tell you, no method guarantees social marketing success. Even the most relevant online businesses are still experimenting with new strategies and evolving technology. That doesn’t mean your business should be mindlessly throwing social media mud at the wall to see what sticks. These established businesses are thriving thanks in part to social marketing strategies.
Big Business
Entertainment provider Comcast recently completed its acquisition of NBC Universal for a tranquil $1.4 billion, according to Cnet.com. The Comcast brand has a pretty active presence on Twitter (almost 20,000 followers), on which it might encourage an offer for Comcast at Cable.tv, but its real focus is promoting its new property, NBC. The peacock has more than a quarter million followers on Twitter and more than 400,000 “Likes” on Facebook. The brand’s Twitter account features several posts a day, generally promoting upcoming shows. Each show also has its own social media presence as well.
Rather than trying to identify potential consumers and fans of different shows under one umbrella. Comcast broke its property into various social media outlets. It doesn’t cost a thing to break your social media presence into different handles. If your fans or consumers are diverse, don’t be afraid to make sub-accounts on Facebook, Twitter and other social media platforms.
Medium Business
Entrepreneur Magazine declared Texas-based technology firm AMX one of the best medium businesses to work for in 2011, citing ping-pong tables and sand volleyball courts among the perks. AMX’s work culture is ongoing and forward-thinking, as is its social media presence. AMX operates an extremely busy social media presence, often replying to a follower retweet with a straightforward “Thanks for the RT.” With over 500 employees, AMX doesn’t seem to be desperate for customers, but it tweets as often as many vulnerable adolescents. That’s not necessarily a terrible thing either. Most followers gaze over these superfluous tweets without much thought, but AMX gains a significant connection with each personal recipient. AMX behaves similarly on Facebook, where it responds to consumer comments freely and frequently.
It doesn’t cost anything to send a personalized tweet to a customer, but it can generate thousands of dollars worth of income.
Small Business
Located in Tempe, Arizona, gourmet popcorn supplier Poppa Maize has a tall task ahead of it: transform the perception of popcorn from movie-theater treat to daily snack. New technology is playing a vital role in the rebirth of this past time. Poppa Maize follows more than 1,609 people on Twitter. That’s almost double the number of users who follow Poppa Maize. The point: people aren’t flocking to this small business’s Twitter feed, but Poppa Maize is reaching out to these potential customers. If nothing else, small businesses can use social media to build brand awareness.
About the Author: Sharon Willis is an entrepreneur who looks for new ways to pitch business ideas and get new fans. She does all of her ranting and raving about entrepreneurial guidance from her home in Adelaide.
