A successful social media strategy for any business or organization, must include creatively utilizing social media resources like Twitter and Facebook, to connect businesses and brands with thought leaders, journalists and bloggers; in industries closely related to their own. This “word of mouse” approach to gaining valuable exposure for a new or existing company, offers businesses an innovative method of introducing their brand to consumers, targeting a specific area of the challenging marketplace and building trust and loyalty with consumers; using the influence of others in the social media community. I guess what I’m saying is that, having your branded message shared by a reputable industry authority, can immediately open the doors of business; and the eyes of consumers. Although it may not be a full endorsement, it certainly comes close.
Ideally, a business’ or organization’s social media strategy will include connecting with credible industry resources, who regularly blog, tweet and post updates about relevant industry information, and consistently link their content; to reputable and trusted industry websites. Be forewarned, if your business’ intention is to use your social media resources, to aggressively sell your products or services; you will be greatly disappointed by your return on investment (ROI). Simply put, Twitter and Facebook are most effective, when they are used for socializing, not selling (period). Make no mistake, this dedicated approach to establishing contacts and building relationships with social media, will take time to instill trust and authority with. Take my circumstances for example. With a name like Ramadama Dingdong, or a laughable nickname like the Swamp Ass, establishing marketplace credibility with apprehensive clients; is understandably difficult.
So, why is it so important for brands and businesses to use social media resources, to build relationships, trust and authority? Consumers, and even other business owners, want to conduct their business interactions with the companies and brands, that they easily recognize and deeply trust. With that being said, social media helps business succeed at two very important things: raising consumer awareness for the company, and also for monitoring relevant online conversations; that could have an affect on a business’ reputation and revenues. If more businesses understood the brand building value of establishing credibility with their audience, and the importance of encouraging search engines and consumers to trust them and their products or services, the marketplace would see a large number of businesses, conducting their day to day business and Internet marketing; in a much different manner.
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