I have recently begun exploring social media marketing academically. Thinking about the arena of social media from a business point of view is interesting. Most of my relationship with the online social world has been one of leisure. Although, while my experience with social media has been recreational, I have opinions and thoughts concerning the use of social media in marketing. Taking up the academic pursuit towards social media will allow me an interesting opportunity to combine my recreational experience with a business/marketing perspective.
The world of social media is an interesting place. For so many years, we as humans socialized together face to face. As technology progressed we now have this enormous capacity to socialize with so many other people in SO many different ways. With so many people socializing via online mediums it is no wonder business's have sought to establish their presence amongst the millions of individuals posting pictures, writing blogs, creeping friends profiles, and probably thousands of other things.
My question is, and in some ways will be through out my study of social media marketing, how welcome are businesses amongst individuals in the realm of social media? To what extent do ordinary people want to socialize with a business online? With out a doubt, social media channels offer valuable opportunities to convey brand message, promote brand awareness, and increase brand loyalty, among many other things.
Our society more and more, looks to social media channels as a guide. In the same tv radically changed culture, social media has taken culture changes to a new height. With this level of sociological influence and indoctrination, having some sort of presence seems crucial for businesses.
If not done right, however, I feel that being engaged online by a business of some sorts will envoke the same feeling we all get when our parent or grandparent or our delusional aunt doris sends us a friend request on facebook. So how do you "do it right?" I don't know, but I hope to found out; at least partially.
