When we think of social media, we definitely think of the good, the bad and the ugly. Social platforms can be a very scary place, so whether you’re a novice to it all or are worryingly chronically online, here’s how we think Social Media has changed marketing.    

What is social media?

Social media refers to online platforms and websites that allow people to interact with each other and share content, such as text, images, and videos. Social media platforms are designed to be used for social interaction and communication between users, rather than just for sharing information. A lot of these platforms allow users to create profiles, share content, connect with friends and other users, and join or create communities based on their shared interests.

It’s important as a business to use social media in a strategic and effective way, as overuse or inappropriate use of social media can damage your company’s reputation. A well-planned and executed social media strategy can help your business achieve its marketing goals.

Some popular examples of social media platforms around today include:

• Facebook

• Instagram

• LinkedIn

• Pinterest

• TikTok

• Twitter

When did social media start?

Social media can be traced back to the late 1990s and early 2000s. One of the earliest forms of social media was Six Degrees, which was launched in 1997 by founder Andrew Weinreich, allowing users to upload a profile and connect with friends.

However, the rise of social media as we know it today can be largely attributed to the launch of Facebook in 2004. Facebook initially started as a social networking platform for college students, but it quickly expanded to include people of all ages. Now, Facebook is used by a majority of all generations.

How has social media changed marketing?

The main impact of social media in marketing is the ability to reach a large and engaged audience in a cost-effective and efficient manner. By leveraging the power of social media, your business can improve its visibility and engagement! 

Here are some of the key ways social media has impacted marketing:

• Social media allows businesses to reach a wider audience and increase its brand visibility. Companies can use social media to showcase their products, services, and brand values to a large and diverse audience.

• Social media provides businesses with a platform to engage with their customers in real-time. Companies can respond to customer questions and concerns, gather feedback, and build stronger relationships with their audience, improving customer engagement.

• Social media provides businesses with valuable insights into their target audience, including demographics, interests, and preferences via the analytical data. This information can be used to inform and improve marketing strategies.

• Social media can be used to generate leads for businesses by providing a platform to share valuable content and build relationships with potential customers.

• Social media is an affordable and cost-effective way for businesses to reach a large and engaged audience. Compared to traditional forms of advertising, it offers a relatively low cost per impression and allows businesses to reach their target audience more easily.

• Social media has given rise to the concept of influencer marketing, where businesses partner with individuals who have a large following on social media to promote their products and services. If your product is interesting enough or goes viral, you can potentially have a lot of UGC (User Generated Content) which with permission, you can post on to your business’s social media account.

• Social media has changed the way customers research and make purchasing decisions. Customers now often turn to social media to research products, read reviews, and gather information before making a purchase, changing the old ‘norm’ of customer behaviours.

• As geographical barriers are completely removed, you can target customers on the other side of the planet in the same way as you might target someone in your own town!

Social Media Management with Rebellion Marketing

Is your social media marketing a little lacklustre at the moment? Need some magic sprinkled over it? Get in contact today and let our rebellious lot get their hands on it!