I was recently browsing the latest Facebook articles on TechCrunch when I came across one that adequately and efficiently displayed the tremendous impact Facebook has on the online marketing world. Erick Schonfeld’s blog post pointed out that one third of U.S. online marketing is via Facebook advertisements (http://techcrunch.com/2011/05/04/facebook-one-third-online-ads/). This just goes to show the amazing difference Facebook and other social media have made in the field of marketing and sales.
Another article by Leena Rao, http://techcrunch.com/2011/05/02/biakelsey-social-media-advertising-topped-2-billion-in-2010/, pointed out that social media adverstising topped $2 billion in 2010. And the trend is not hinting to slow down either! By 2015, revenues are expected to go 8.3 billion from the current 2.3 billion. So the race to online advertising is only going to get faster!
Not only is Facebook providing means of advertisement, but it also cherishes some key methods to strengthen customer-provider relationships. In Zachary Sniderman’s article titled “HOW TO:Poll Consumers on Facebook,” the secrets to making thesecommon questions into valuable marketing strategics is revealed. See for yourself: http://mashable.com/2011/05/08/poll-facebook-consumers/ The article points out four basic tips which I have summarized below:
1. Ask a REAL question: One that a customer would want to answer without feeling obliged too.
2. Ask questions you actually want answers too: Don’t set yourself up in a way that could come back and bite. Ask for constructive support.
3. Ask questions that are topical or relevant: If it’s two days before mother’s day, frame your poll around the occasion. Make sure your question is relevant to your intentions.
4. Be clear why you’re polling: Whether it be for exposure, feedback, or loyalty, make sure you have a goal for your question. It wil help when time comes to fabricate one.
All of these hints along with the tremendous other ways social media sites such as Facebook have changed the marketing era and transformed it into a more digital experience that is constantly changing with a click of a mouse. But then again , it always has been a race and it will get faster!
