Social media is here to stay
The exponential growth and widespread adoption of social media has seen popular social networking tools and services such as blogging, Twitter, FaceBook, MySpace, LinkedIn, YouTube and others start to become accepted as mainstream marketing tools.
Let's face it, it's easy to write off social media as a passing fad. In reality, the uptake and usage statistics point to the fact that these online networking tools are here to stay, whether you like it or not. And their usage is expected to continue on this crazy growth path for some years to come.
Savvy businesses are starting to integrate social media into their traditional marketing and promotional activities. We firmly believe that maximum value from social media can only be achieved through effective integration. It presents an fresh opportunity to reach a wider audience and to target your message to prospects that actually want to hear what you have to say.
For some companies, social networking may only be a small component of their marketing programme, whilst for others it may be the major thrust. Participating in the new online space requires a lot of energy, commitment and ongoing effort to achieve a degree of success, so you need expert guidance and advice to make it pay off.
We believe it's the careful use of a combination of tools and services that deliver the best results. For example, you may want to create a blog to drive visitor traffic to your website. You could then use Twitter and some of the social bookmarking tools to create a wider awareness and readership for your blog, which will drive targeted visitors to your blog and website.
If you're going to invest in a social media programme you need a marketing agency that has the first hand experience to steer you through the traps and pitfalls facing today's online marketer. At Bold Horizon we've been successfully practicing social media marketing in our own business - we're avid bloggers, Tweeters and active participants in LinkedIn.
Bold Horizon can help you to understand which tools are most appropriate for your marketing goals and work with you to develop a practical and affordable implementation plan. Whether you want to manage your social network marketing programme in-house or would prefer to hand over the reigns to us, we're always there to advise and support you and your team.
If you're like many of the businesses that we talk to who are struggling to get to grips with social media and online networking, we should be talking. We'll develop a customised programme that's right for your business and your budget.
Related links...
Things will never be the same again
Social networking is becoming a critical component of marketing strategy
Can small businesses benefit from social media?