Is Anyone Listening To Social Network Marketing?

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Jan 14

Is anyone listening to social network marketing?

Online Marketing, Social Networking Add comments

Marketing through social networks is generating so much information and commentary that it’s mind-numbing. The problem is that most social media participants are focused on telling, but no-one seems to be listening. Perhaps they are online just to be part of the flock and haven’t thought about a strategy for participating.

It continues to amaze me when I mention a brand or company in a blog or tweet, how I seldom hear back from them. It doesn’t seem to matter whether it’s a positive or negative comment, they just don’t seem to hear.

That’s not to say that everyone is guilty of this. I do get responses, but sadly they are in the minority. With the array of online tracking tools available to us today, there is no excuse or reason not to be aware of what people are saying about you online.

If you do choose to participate in social media and social network marketing, you owe it to yourself and your followers to engage in meaningful two-way communication. If you don’t reciprocate and participate, your online reputation may be tarnished and your hard-earned following will become worthless.

Stop obsessing about gathering more followers than Paris Hilton, because social media is not a numbers game – it’s all about quality of relationships. It’s better to have a smaller circle and work it actively, than to have thousands of followers and never interact with them.

And if you choose not to participate in social media, at least make the effort to keep your ear to the e-ground. The influence that social media can exert on brands is astounding, so you ignore it at your own peril.

Tags: social network marketing

4 comments

§ Bron Taplin said on : 01/18/10 @ 08:14

Absolutely agree with your blog regarding the quality of relationships online, and that message is endorsed by an article in the weekend herald this weekend, did you see it?

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=10620498
§ Wayne Attwell® said on : 01/18/10 @ 10:50
Thanks, just read the article . Social media is maturing at a very fast pace so the shallow commercially driven relationships will start to lose traction. Interestingly there has been some discussion on one of my LinkedIn groups on this very subject over overt self promotion. The trend however, amongst large social media users in the States is that they are realizing there is little direct sales lead value and are treating social media as a means to connect and interact with their tribes.

The problem right now with Twitter in particular, is that it's being used as a broadcast medium and not a relationship building tool. It's fine if you are looking for information, but to be honest, I prefer to subscribe to influential blogs for the latest trends and happenings. Compare it to the way people use FaceBook and you quickly see which one has the potential to create a meaningful following.
§ Philippine Outsourcing said on : 03/08/10 @ 14:42

I know this sounds off-topic but I like how you share your insights and comments regarding such subjects. They are well-thought of and balanced. Your blog is such a good read that I had to follow it the moment I came across it. Thanks a lot.
§ Wayne Attwell® said on : 03/09/10 @ 10:00
Thanks for the positive comment. Glad you enjoy my blog posts. For convenience you should subscribe via RSS so you don't miss any.