Social networks have existed for as long as there have been humans. Not too many decades ago, they often consisted of two acquaintances who chatted over a fence, in line, or in a waiting room. Among the topics discussed were personal experiences with local restaurants, stores, or repairmen. These one to one relationships spread the word, but had limited range. They were, however, an example of what social media is when communication methods are highly localized. With the World Wide Web, however, social networking has gone global. Today, a customer can inform millions of his satisfaction or disapproval of an experience within minutes of its occurrence.
One very popular site is Twitter. Users post "tweets", which are short comments about whatever topic they choose. These comments can be read by others, using either an Internet connection or a cell phone.
Facebook, with more than 400 million users worldwide, is the largest social site. Users create a page about themselves and their interests. They can upload photos, which may be public or accessible only by those who have been granted permission. Messages can be posted for the public or only for friends, and the site is reached via a cell phone application or at the website.
Foursquare is a social network that offers a marketing method for businesses and savings for users. Members use their cell phones to check in at theaters, restaurants, attractions, or other locations and announce their presence. By doing so, they earn points, receive discounts, or earn rewards for being a loyal customer. The GPS included in their cell phones can confirm where they are.
Just like the early days of email, most corporations had to learn how to best use the networks to serve their marketing desires. Some launched incessant advertising campaigns, which actually worked against them. Given a little more time, most of them shifted the plan from blatant advertising to building new relationships with potential and existing customers.
A growing number of companies have appointed an employee or team of employees to track comments about the company or its brands on the social sites. When derogatory posts are found, the company can then intervene to resolve the customer's complaint. By doing this in a very public forum, thousands of users are exposed to the customer service attempts made by the business.
No doubt, social media will continue to expand, both in the number of sites and in variety. More users from around the world will join, connecting in ways impossible only a couple of decades ago. The social sites have, on occasion, been the only source of current events in areas with a media blackout. They will likely continue to prove popular with both users and businesses wishing to reach them.
One very popular site is Twitter. Users post "tweets", which are short comments about whatever topic they choose. These comments can be read by others, using either an Internet connection or a cell phone.
Facebook, with more than 400 million users worldwide, is the largest social site. Users create a page about themselves and their interests. They can upload photos, which may be public or accessible only by those who have been granted permission. Messages can be posted for the public or only for friends, and the site is reached via a cell phone application or at the website.
Foursquare is a social network that offers a marketing method for businesses and savings for users. Members use their cell phones to check in at theaters, restaurants, attractions, or other locations and announce their presence. By doing so, they earn points, receive discounts, or earn rewards for being a loyal customer. The GPS included in their cell phones can confirm where they are.
Just like the early days of email, most corporations had to learn how to best use the networks to serve their marketing desires. Some launched incessant advertising campaigns, which actually worked against them. Given a little more time, most of them shifted the plan from blatant advertising to building new relationships with potential and existing customers.
A growing number of companies have appointed an employee or team of employees to track comments about the company or its brands on the social sites. When derogatory posts are found, the company can then intervene to resolve the customer's complaint. By doing this in a very public forum, thousands of users are exposed to the customer service attempts made by the business.
No doubt, social media will continue to expand, both in the number of sites and in variety. More users from around the world will join, connecting in ways impossible only a couple of decades ago. The social sites have, on occasion, been the only source of current events in areas with a media blackout. They will likely continue to prove popular with both users and businesses wishing to reach them.
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