Social media has moved from a new device to the future of every brand. Many international communities are annexing the opportunity provided by social media to gain visibility and build strong communities. Even though our environment is just growing its internet audience most of which are using social media with majority on face book; proper understanding of social media helps in no small measure but we guide against violating the rules. Brands as well as brand drivers also need to know how to annex social media opportunity. As a leading brand, social media expert in Nigeria, as well as a member of social media club International, California, with other friends who are lovers of social media; we are initiating a process of inaugurating Nigeria chapter of the club. Social media Club International is a professional organization that brings together journalists, publishers, communications professionals, artists, amateur media creators, citizen journalists, teachers, students, tool makers, and other interested collaborators. Essentially the people who create and consume media who have an interest in seeing the ‘media industry’ evolve for everyone’s benefit. So are you on facebook and other social media? Do you understand what benefits you may be missing out? Please link up with us. All you have to do is to join the group on facebook:http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=98457170756&ref=nf .The purpose is to offer avenue to network, share experience. The club presently has over fourteen chapters in Europe, Asia among other continents. The Nigeria chapter when launched will be the first in Africa. The launching date is in June 2009. Further details will be communicated to members.
Engagement has become a buzz word now. It is built on trust plus positive perception. We are no longer in the old landscape where customer satisfaction rules. We are now in a new landscape where that is the minimum requirement. Value acceleration is the order of the day. The new landscape has fused marketing with conversation. This entails listening and engaging the customers to be co-creators of the brand.
Participation in web 2.0 and social media is no longer optional for brands, but compulsory-that is for those who see the future from now.
Interestingly whether we are there or not, the conversation continues on the web 2.0 and social media is taking the lead. Though the development is still trying to take off here in our country. But we must note when something has become a vogue, the early entrant will have taken position and plundered the markets/options. Web 2.0 and social media offer greater opportunities for brands to start a conversation. Conversation is the beginning of engagement.
Prior to web 2.0 the only way brand owner get to know about customers complaints, request is through physical contacts or telephone at best. The climate has changed here too .Any brand that ignores web 2.0 now is on its way to obscurity, obsolescence. Out of sight is out of mind now.
A good idea sells like hot cake. During Christmas, a text message went round the country at least my family got several. The text has Christmas tree as the major icon with text in various forms but the following is very common: ‘I set up this Xmas tree just for you and your family. It will bring joy, hope, love and peace…merry Xmas’
From the social media effect with emphasis on the mobile, this idea sells. If a monetary value is attached to the use of that text message, the creator will be in money now. I mean consider a copyrighted version where you pay to use that text message. How much do you think the creator of the idea have worth just in the last three days? This is a pointer to those who ignore social media to enhance their brands’ visibility and profitability. I guess someone should begin to think along this line and take advantage of every season as every season throws up its own opportunities.
The point I am trying to make here is that when an idea/brand is good, it must use great channels to communicate it. No one pays attention to a good idea/brand that is not properly communicated. When social media is engaged the visibility become great, the viral effects are great and the followers will spread the news through word of mouth and social media outlets. This will become far cheaper than spending heavy money on advertisement.
My question today, can your idea/brand benefit from social media viral effects? This depends on suitability, ‘userbility’, creativity, innovation; cost. Each platform has its own opportunity. Find the one that is relevant to your niche and maximize it.
