Media such as Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, and apps are just a few resources businesses use to reach the public. They use these resources to do everything from hiring to market research about the consumer. These tools have been used in the last decade to appeal to a much younger generation. I have heard some small business owners refer to social media as solicitation and unprofessional. I, personally, disagree. Social and electronic media are quick and effective at making a business grow. It helps to understand what the consumer likes and dislikes, communicate on disagreements and customer concerns, and I would even go as far as saying it creates a sense of community between business and society. This form of communications fits the current age of technology. It is much faster than commercials and more complex than billboards or pamphlets.
Social networking also enables the customer base to get involved. Constantly sites are having contests in which the prize is a product of the company. This not only reward the customer with merchandise, but allows free idea streaming to the business. Businesses can have blogs, in which consumers may give feedback on the company products or services. One website I enjoy is Snorg Tee's. They frequently send out company e-mails telling of contests. These contests usually consist of sending in pictures of yourself wearing their merchandise. The consumers vote on the best(or funniest) picture and the winner receives free merchandise. The company is the real winner though, because they get free advertising(the picture) and they're rewarding their customers with fun(the contest) and freebies(merchandise).
Therefore, all forms of social media can be quick and free methods of marketing and great customer service. This new form of networking allows a company to run efficiently, generate company news, encourage brand loyalty, answer questions and concerns, obtain research information, keep a well connected business, and reach its loyal customers.
Brandee Turney
