A Social Media Strategy for 2010

"It took radio 38 years to reach 50 million listeners. Terrestrial TV took 13 years to reach 50 million users. The internet took
four years to reach 50 million people... In less than nine months, Facebook added 100 million users." (Econsultancy Blog)

"Around 64% of marketers are using social media for 5 hours or more each week during campaigns, with 39% using it for 10 or more hours per week" (Econsultancy Blog)

In 2009, we saw many companies stepping into the field of social media marketing & finding that it is a favourable alternate to traditional marketing. Being powerful, influential, far-reaching & inexpensive.
2010 predicts a bigger move away from the traditional forms of marketing, with many more companies testing the waters of social media marketing.

As with anything web-related, social media marketing sites will soon become flooded with marketers, all using similar techniques & strategies. Therefore, an intentional & well thought out strategy will take your campaign where it needs to go.

5 tips for taking your company's marketing strategy to the next level:

1) Be Creative
Merely having a Facebook or Twitter account will not be enough. Standing out & staying relevant amongst your competition will require some innovation & creativity.

2) Have an in-house social media team
Having your own people to manage your social media campaign will ensure that your social "voice" remains authentic.
Outsourcing to agencies has it's benefits, especially in the start-up phase. However, due to the client's own disinterest & lack of involvement, many social marketing campaigns have brought much disappointment.
Get involved! You know your business better than anyone else does.

3) Measure the performance of your social media campaign
If you have been experimenting with social media, then it's best to start measuring the success of your work. Know how your efforts are converting into leads & sales, and know how to maximise your ROI.

4) Find your niche
Most companies try all sorts of social media avenues, not really knowing what works for them & what doesn't.
So, it's important to find out which medium will serve you the best & to find the niche which your company can accommodate better than anyone else.

5) Cultivate relationships
It's one thing getting people to show interest in you, it's quite another getting them to stay interested. Therefore, it's wise to start building relationships with with your potential clients. Afterall, that is what social media is all about.
Build your brand, build credibility & most importantly, build relationships & trust

And if you are not considering a social media campaign in the near future, you might want to re-consider! A social media campaign will you help to build brand awareness, demonstrate personality, gather feedback from your clients & provide them with better, faster service.