We are all (too much) used to what I call “one-directional traditional marketing“. We see an advertisement and when it is repeated frequently enough and in a highly appealing matter, we tend to believe and our buying intention grows. So far so good for the era that is behind us.
Today and tomorrow, your company should start engaging with your customers and prospects, listen to their feedback and join in this conversation with interesting topics.
As a result, your brand proposition will be much stronger and through active online listening to your customers, you will learn a lot.
It’ an online world these days! People are “friends” on Facebook and exactly as in the real world they will ask their network about their experiences with a particular brand or product.
No way they will make a decision based on advertisements anymore.
So what your company should do is taking good care of your fans and make them real ambassadors for your company. Or in other terms, create a “tribe”.
If you manage to do so, your fans will automatically promote your brand and solutions in the online social world.
That’s strong advertising almost for free. “Viral marketing” is inevitable for your business.
This is the whole thing about long-term strategy. Sure, most of us know facebook and maybe can set up some fan page. However, success always comes with a long term effort.
Social Media is not something you will do overnight with the purpose of getting more fans, more subscribers to your newsletter.
If used in a creative and active manner and seen as a long term investment, then it’ll be a very powerfull marketing vehicle which will secure the future of your company.