Social media principles existed long ago

For centuries, humans have participated in 'social media' in one form or another. We've always recommended businesses or products and shared photos just in a different manner.

Harvard Business Review looked into the archives and found a 1966 study discussing the principles of "social media."

Now, the vehicle has changed. Without question, Facebook and Twitter make it easier to share and recommend certain products or brands, but social media principles have been discussed...at least four decades ago.

So, if it helps, realize that the vehicles have changed slightly (Facebook, Twitter), but social media has existed for centuries.

Continuing the Facebook discussion

The Harvard Business Review posted an interesting blog regarding some tactics for capturing new customers. Interesting growing trends (crowdsourcing and check-ins) foster even more interaction between business and customers. Check-ins, in particular, will become more popular as smartphones proliferate the market.

Additionally, Facebook will probably reach their tentacles into two other areas: online video content and ecommerce. With online video content, Facebook plans to compete with Netflix and Hulu (among others) to offer streaming video of movies and television shows. We'll see if this is just a feeler of if they aggressively pursue content rights.

On the ecommerce side, some larger retailers have created online storefronts on Facebook. JCPenney, for example, put their entire catalog on Facebook.

- Brian Sonnenberg

You don't have to be a social media guru

Based on the Market, many of you are considering jumping into social media. You don't have to be a guru to develop/manage a successful Facebook page for your business. It just takes ideas and a little elbow grease!

Check out the slideshow associated with the link in the first paragraph. It reinforces many things discussed at the advertising seminar, and jump into social media without hesitation! You don't need to be a guru!

Interesting Facebook commentary and stats

When it comes to interacting with your customers through social media, an article from Ad Age discusses how relevance may be redefined in terms of what you put on Facebook. Consider this as you post things on your page. You could try a more subtle approach, other than strictly product/promotion, to engage your customers on social media.

Here's an obvious point: Facebook isn't going anywhere (at least for the foreseeable future). Facebook now accounts for 25% of the page views in the United States. Facebook and Google are quickly on the way to web traffic domination.

Social Media Connection!

Social media has infected just about every aspect of society, and as it spread, business was swept up as well. Many small businesses have effectively leveraged Facebook and other social media to develop an even stronger relationship with their customers.

If you'd like to start a Facebook page or Twitter account, let us know. We can help you get started, and more importantly, we can put a link on your web site to invite customers to interact with you on Facebook.

If you already have a page, let us know because we'll provide the Facebook logo, and link it to your page!