Why social media is hot for business

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Looking for a flexible way to market your company and build your brand that speaks to today’s consumer?

Social media is the general term that covers media channels containing self-published and user-generated content: think blogs, forums, message boards, Email marketing, RSS Feeds, podcasts, livecasting, online video and social sites (Facebook, Myspace, LinkedIn, Twitter). From automobiles to pantyhose, electronic marketing impacts the way your customers think, feel and communicate. And although social media is simple to use, the way to realize optimum results is by making it an integrated part of your overall marketing strategy.'

Benefits to your business

How can social media help your company grow?

Many companies across all industries, from large Fortune 500 to small businesses, are realizing the benefits of social media in building brand awareness. It’s a “pull marketing” strategy that facilitates dialogue between a business and its consumers. Unlike traditional media -- which is decidedly one-way, oftentimes expensive, and does not always generate immediate results -- social media platforms generate ongoing and constantly visible conversation and feedback from a business-to-consumer or consumer-to-business standpoint.

Did you know: • 93% of Americans believe a company should have a   presence in social media • 85% believe a company should not only be present but also   interact with its consumers via social media • 56% of American consumers feel both a stronger connection   with and better served by companies when they can interact   with them in a social media environment. *2008 Cone Business in Social Media Study

Social media offers: • Flexible, cost-effective marketing: although social media does require an investment   of time, there is little to no out of pocket expense. Plus, it’s easy to use and low risk. • Build brand awareness: create buzz for a product launch or an event, establish an   audience, and increase traffic to your website. • Connect with your customers: hear what your customers are saying, learn customers’   thoughts about your product or services, improve customer satisfaction and relations. • Build stronger relationships: expand your network of contacts on a national and global   level, increase brand loyalty and brand trust. Social networking also creates a human   side to your business which helps establish customer relations.