What is Social Media?
Social Media is digital technologies that permit the generation or sharing/reication of information, thoughts, career interests, and various other types of social expression through social networks and virtual communities. Social media are also known as Web 2.0 technology or social networks technology. The use of the term social has several definitions including, social learning, social work, and community building.
Social networking is one of the most effective ways to create a bridge between people from different backgrounds. It can lead people from different industries and background to become more knowledgeable about each other and develop a stronger bond. Social media allows people from varied backgrounds to work together. It also helps to increase the productivity of companies by involving all employees in company activities. Many firms are incorporating social media into their internal communication systems because it helps to enhance communication, build trust, and spread awareness about the company mission, products, services, and business goals.
There are several types of media used in social media such as blogs, micro-blogging, status updates, video channels, podcasts, music channels, news channels, and social networks. A blog is a form of written communication on any topic that can be freely discussed. It can contain text, images, links, and multimedia. Micro-blogging allows users to create mini-blogs that consist of promotional content such as coupons and discounts. Status updates are posted regularly on a channel that allows users to display their thoughts, opinions, and reviews about certain products and services.
Social networks are an effective marketing tool for companies in creating public awareness, increasing brand recognition, influencing consumer behavior, and generating leads. Social media channels include Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, FriendFeed, Flickr, WordPress, StumbleUpon, and Google+. Social media channels provide the ability for users to connect and share ideas with others. Social networks have changed the way businesses are marketed by providing platforms for consumers to voice their opinions or experiences. Social media curation allows users to subscribe to specific communities, create and manage profiles, and browse and submit content. Flipboard provides the ability to publish digital advertising to the Flipboard webfeed.
For organizations and businesses, social media marketing is essential for reaching out to consumers, engaging in conversations, sharing information and media, generating leads, and engaging in viral campaigns. With millions of users accessing the Internet via mobile devices, social media is transforming the way brands and companies communicate with customers. Companies must engage on a one-on-one basis to ensure customer loyalty and repeat business over again. The increased engagement results in increased return of investment, increased brand awareness, increased market penetration, and increased profitability. The key to successful social media campaigns is to determine who your target audience is, target what you are selling, and promote your brand as often as you can.
Social media refers to the act of communicating with and allowing users to share content with other users through different forms of communication channels. There are many social media channels including blog, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Flickr, Pinterest, Tumblr, Google+, Pinterest, Digg, StumbleUpon, and Instagram. Users can share content using text, images, links, multimedia (video & music), and applications. Social media refers to the act of sharing content with other users through different forms of communication channels. There are many social media channels including blog, twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Flickr, Pinterest, Digg, StumbleUpon, and Instagram.