What is social marketing?

Every time we communicate with someone else or an audience online, wherever it may be – a blog, on e-mail, a social network, Twitter or even by leaving a product review – it is a social act. Social marketing is a brand’s attempt to enter this space without getting thrown out on their butts.

How do you do it? Take a look at this photo and find the answer.

These men are about to share their pints of beer served up in a carrier wrapped in a sponsor’s message. Without intruding, this brand is joining their conversation by offering the sports fans something they need and want, something that seamlessly fits into their environment and serves a very useful purpose.

This is exactly how brands should use social media to market their products or services. If you find a purpose in the space and offer something to your friends and fans you will succeed. If you’re just standing on a pulpit shouting a message you won’t go anywhere. The best way to understand social marketing and where your brand may fit inside of it is to just start using it.

Once the technology behind it all doesn’t seem as overwhelming you’ll be able to focus again on what really matters  – your message.

Some things never change.

Tags | Social Marketing, social marketing columbus