The Marketing Edge

As a leading interactive agency, we are often asked by business owners what the benefits are of social media.   We believe that social media should be integrated into the majority of marketing strategies with very few exceptions.  It is important that the role social media plays in an integrated marketing strategy is understood, and the goals and strategies clearly defined prior to embarking on a foray into the world of social media.  Below is some beginning conversation on social media strategy.  

Businesses and non-profits alike should have a social media strategy PRIOR to embarking on social media campaigns. Lots of fans on Facebook do not necessarily convert to increased revenues. There are orderly steps to take to use social media as part of an integrated marketing strategy. Here are a few insights to start off the discussion:

1) Define who you are trying to reach out and your end goal as a result of the outreach.

Example: are you using social media to increase sales? If so, here are a few thoughts on strategy:
a) Define your target audience
b) Reach out to them using the search mechanism on Facebook, Twitter, etc. and listen to what is important to them.
c) Engage in dialogue - what is it that you can provide that is important to them?
d) After spending some time listening, and then in conversation, craft your strategy. For example, perhaps your target demographic's most important hot button is getting a great deal right now. How can you respond to match that need? Create your strategy around your target demo's needs, not around your desire to sell, but of course make sure you are meeting your sales goals in the process. Social media is not a "push out" platform, it is a dialogue platform, so keep that in mind.

2) Strategy implementation - keeping folks as fans on Facebook is not usually the end goal for sales. You will need to create the offer, message out using social media, and include a call to action. Example: include a URL so that potential customers will land on your website on the RIGHT page where the offer exists. Include a data capture mechanism (form) so that you can communicate now via e-mail for remarketing purposes. Once the potential customer has given you a name and an e-mail address, allow them to click on your special Facebook offer (Twitter offer, etc.), as a "Members Only" special offer. Make the coupon downloadable or instantly able to purchase online.

More on strategy and remarketing coming soon!   You can visit the Edge site for an audio presentation or downloadable Social Media 101 guide to setting up accounts, etc.   Here is the link: www.edgemedia.biz/index-7.html

More about Edge Media:  Edge Media is a leading interactive advertising agency located in Phoenix, AZ serving local and national clients.  We serve businesses, churches, ministries, broadcast, and non-profit organizations and have done so for almost a decade.  We are a Christian advertising agency focused on integrity and excellence in service for our clients.  We use cutting edge technologies that deliver exceptional ROI for our clients, including text message marketing using our Edge Mobile SMS Marketing Software, giving our clients ongoing marketing opportunities using bulk SMS services.  We also offer social media, optimized blogging, search engine optimization, and internet marketing services, as well as market research, marketing strategy, media planning and buying, and much more.  To view all of our services, go to www.edgemedia.biz/index-2.html