Presentation on Role of Social Networking Sites in Marketing

What is Online Social Networking?

From a conceptual standpoint, online social networking is no different than traditional networking and socializing. You meet

people and get to know them by sharing information about each other. Those you like and/or share interests with become part of your "network." The marketing magic kicks in when those in your

network start talking about you. Your reputation spreads by word-of-mouth.

The Internet and related technology have taken networking to the next level, expanding each individual’s reach and exposure

through online marketing. Where traditionally people gather in person to network ― at the same time and place as others ―

members of online networking groups are not limited by time or geography. Each group member can interact 24/7 from any

location worldwide. Consequently, online networking techniques are very different from in-person networking.

Social Networking Sites

Pizza Hut following Customers by using social networking sites

Burger King

Vodafone (Zoo Zoo aids)

Use of Social Networking sites in Marketing & Management

Social networking online is one of today’s hottest trends. Many, however, wonder how social networking can help their careers or businesses and exactly how to get started with this online marketing technique.

Social networking sites have become so popular because of following characteristics :-

Social sites are evolving in nature, they change from day to day thanks to the contributions of it’s members – this is why they are so successful. As the platform evolves constantly, so should you approach to using this medium!

How To Interact Through Social Networking

• Ways to interact are numerous. The first order of business is to decide what your marketing goals are with respect to social networking. While "finding new friends" is a sufficient personal reason for social networking, business marketing goals need to be more specific. Are you an individual looking for a job or freelance work? Do you want to gain exposure for your product, brand or company? Are you looking for potential employees or contractors? Do you want to get prospects interested enough to visit your Website or contact you? Your goals will dictate what you put on your profile and social networking home page, as well as who you look for to become part of your network.

• After you’ve decided on your purpose for online networking, choose which social networking Website(s) you will participate in.

Where to Network Online

• You can find a comprehensive list of social networking sites here, I am familiar with those listed below. They will give you an idea of the range of opportunities you will find at social networking Websites:

• Yahoo! 360 (360.yahoo.com): Yahoo!'s social networking site is in beta as of this writing. The unique feature here is your Yahoo! 360 space is cross-promoted with other Yahoo! products, such as with your reviews on Yahoo! Local and your Yahoo! Groups. Like many social networking sites, you can also host a blog on the server.

• MySpace (myspace.com): This is the mother of social networking sites. Originally dominated by teens, there are reports of the "graying of myspace" as older people and businesses are also networking on the site. It may be worth your while to spend some time there to see if your target customers hang out there.

• LinkedIn (linkedin.com): LinkedIn is excellent for professional, career-related online marketing because it focuses exclusively on business and professional networking. You will find interfaces to connect with classmates or colleagues (both past and present); find service providers or clients; post or find a job; and ask or answer business-related questions.

Whom To Interact With• The people you want to associate with (i.e. make "friends" or be

"connected" to) will depend largely on your goals. There are several types of people you will want to consider contacting. Each can help you in different ways, so consider looking for more than one type of "target friend:"

• Customers and Consumers: People who will benefit from what you do, consume or buy your products or services, and rave about you to their friends.

• Others Within Your Industry: People with whom you can network, share resources and cross-promote with.

• Media and Publishers: People who work for, or can influence, publications you would like to be mentioned in (e-zines, newspapers, Websites, etc).

• Consultants: People who may want to hire or purchase products from you.

• Event, Company or Organization representatives: People who operate businesses and associations that support your industry.

How Social Network Marketing can grow your business marketing profits?

Social Media Marketing create opportunities to:Adds a human element (you) to your business or product Engage with customers directly but informally while hanging out online It is fun and simple to do once you know how Get traffic to your website Create buzz around your website, product or service or brand Create inbound links to your website for the search engine ranking benefit Creates loyalty and trust

Some Famous Faces using Social Networking Sites

How to "do" Social Networking?

Working your Network There are several things can be done to become more approachable:

- Your page is the first thing people see when researching you, so keep it appealing. -Add new content to your page often, giving people a reason to visit regularly.

Like all worthwhile business relationships, online networks must be nurtured. Make the effort to do so, and over time you will reap the rewards.

How to "do" Social Networking?Marketing For Business Profits

should define your audience, locate your potential customers, build a social relationship with them and

promote your brand and website. What you choose to do on these sites depends on what your business needs. In most communities it is recommended to not start out by promoting your brand or website. If you start out by

“spamming” you are likely to get kicked out of that social community. The site administrators will most likely ban you from returning. Being too direct in your sales pitch

could also scare people away

Platform for growth

Social media has become a platform that is easily accessible to anyone with internet access, opening doors for organizations to increase their brand awareness and facilitate conversations with the customer. Additionally, social media serves as a relatively inexpensive platform for organizations to implement marketing campaigns. Organizations can receive direct feedback from their customers and targeted markets.

Why Social Networking ?

Popularity :-Social media has been adopted by a critical mass of the population which means it is important for organizations to have a social media presence. Generally, some official presence is better than none even if a specific strategy has not been defined.

Advertising :-Social media is an enormous advertising platform. Organizations are able to target individuals based upon specific interests shared on social media. For example, if an individual watches a YouTube video about jogging, a shoe company can serve an ad or a coffee company can target ads to individuals who post that they are tired on social media sites.

Customers :- One thing is Crystal clear that . Customers are the King and the days of marketer & seller are gone. Mass is moving to Social networking sites so companies will also follow where there customers go .

Awareness :- Some organizations actively use social media in their marketing plan to keep the brand fresh in customers' and non-customers' minds. Linking with an organization on a social media site allows the organization to stay connected with individuals who may or may not be customers instead of relying on them to initiate a contact only when they are looking for additional information.

And many more :-----

Many more :-

How organizations use social media

Among the goals for which social media can be used are:Customer service, e.g. direct response to customer complaintsBroadcasting updates, announcements, news, e.g. additional PR resourcePromotionsBehind the scenes look at the organizationAdvertising

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