The Objectives Of Social Media Marketing

2009 has seen dramatic growth in social media tools being applied to corporate marketing. The real-time nature of social media is not only affecting consumer & business buying trends; it is also changing how search engines evaluate you. The goals of social media marketing differ from traditional website marketing in that we are forging an active relationship with the site visitor, converting the reader from passive observer into an active participant. Accomplishing this creates a network of advocates capable of virally spreading your message across their networks. Each tool within social media plays a critical role and they should be synchronized to be effective. Performed in part or without purpose, the effects are fleeting and potentially damaging.

WHAT IS SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING?
Social media is the term that is used to describe Internet and web-based technologies that promote networking and viral communication. Rather than a traditional “1-to-1” communication approach, these technologies are built to facilitate networking and communications from “1-to-unlimited”. Information in many cases is indexed & available for the world to access.

GOALS OF SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING
The primary objective of social media marketing is to increase your business network(s). It is through the creation and expansion of networks that leads and sales can be cultivated. This form of marketing unique is that it also satisfies other important business needs such as: brand reputation management, increase of natural search engine rankings, creates visibility within the Blogosphere, allows for real-time news publishing and PR, expands marketing boundaries (geography) & expands business networks throughout all levels of your organization.

TOOLS OF SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING
Primary social media tools consist of the following: Blogs, microblogs (Twitter), image share portals (Flickr), video share portals (YouTube), social network websites (LinkedIn, FaceBook), and “Mash up” websites which are “user-customized” portals that receive data from multiple sources including blogs, video, news and microblogs.

WHY SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING
With today’s on-again and off-again economy, there are few silver-bullets left for small businesses. Social media may be the most attainable/viable solution for any business that has more smarts than budget. Social media is a perfect extension of traditional networking; the big difference is that anyone can effectively extend themselves without geographical boundaries or personal introduction. Like many effective Internet marketing activities, intelligence combined with a good plan and follow-through can and do make a difference.

WHO IS IT FOR?
Social media tools can be used by any business. Selfish promotions are immediately shot down and scorned, respectful promotions are rewarded. To be successful in social media marketing, businesses need to be interesting and in many cases – selfless. Any business that can enlighten, educate and help its audience will ultimately succeed.