Social media marketing - frequently asked questions

As if social media marketing wasn't big enough, the hype and conversation surrounding it is even bigger. This has given rise to all sorts of comments, suggestions, complaints and questions.

Social media marketing - frequently asked questions

Social media marketing ? frequently asked questions

As if social media marketing wasn't big enough, the hype and conversation surrounding it is even bigger. This has given rise to all sorts of comments, suggestions, complaints and questions. If you have been trying to find out more about this phenomenon then here are some frequently asked questions.

What is social media marketing?

Social media marketing is basically a method of marketing that uses social networking sites and platforms for their advertising. This is usually done by creating a business profile with relevant information and links.

How much does it cost?

It is difficult to attach a cost to this marketing strategy simply because there are so many different types of social media sites that you can use. Some of them allow you to sign up free of charge, some charge for membership, while others have free membership but a set fee to allow you to advertise your business. Most of your costs will probably then stem from hiring employees to keep your profiles up and running.

Can anyone do it?

In theory anyone could set up a profile on a social networking site, but the truth is that if you want to create an effective marketing tool you have to put a great deal of thought, time, and effort into it. Those who generally fare better at it are those who can afford to hire dedicated developers, those with previous experience, as well as those who have a keen sense of marketing.

Who can benefit from it?

Whether you benefit from social media marketing or not does not really depend largely on how big or small your business is, or how popular it is. It depends more on the platform that you choose to advertise on. So, any business can benefit from this type of advertising whether it is a one man show or a corporate empire.

How do you know where to market?

There are many different social networking sites out there and it can be a daunting task to try and find the right one for your business. The key is to identify what your niche is and who your target audience is. Then figure out which sites they are most likely to be signed up to and market your business on those sites.

Is it the be all and end all of marketing?

The quick answer is no. it is important to remember that while many people make use of social networking sites, there are countless other platforms for advertising that people are exposed to. It is advisable to have a dedicated team to deal with the social media aspect, since this is a current favorite, but also focus your attention on advertising elsewhere online and offline.

How do you measure success or failure?

Social media marketing works a little bit differently to other methods of advertising in that there is no set tools that can help you measure how well you are doing. A big part of the reason for this is that social media is dynamic and always changing. Some aspects that may serve as a possible measuring tool include number of comments, hits, as well as sales.

How do you avoid failing?

The most important way to prevent your new strategy from caving is proper planning. Make sure you have a good idea as to what you are aiming for. Ensure you have contingency plans in pace in case problems arise, and make sure you evaluate your profile regularly.