A couple of years ago I wrote a three-part series about the Internet social scene. (”Three-part series” makes it sound very official and important, doesn’t it?) I really enjoyed writing it because … let’s be honest, I’m a social butterfly. And I love the Internet. We’re like two great tastes that taste great together. So when Kevin asked if I could do a follow-up about how the game has changed, I was stoked.
Today, social sites have become a huge part of our culture. They are how we communicate, how we receive information and how we socialize on a daily basis:
- We keep up with friends and acquaintances via status updates and photo uploads.
- News stories spread like wildfire across Twitter, Facebook and Tumblr feeds.
- RSS readers let us know immediately when a Web site posts an update, whether it’s a blog, news source or promotional feed.
- Smartphones are now the equivalent of pocket-size computers that allow you to surf the ‘net, get your e-mail and check all of your social networking sites from anywhere.
It’s a 24/7 information blitz that keeps us plugged in, informed and juiced up on more information than we can process. It’s overwhelming at times … even for a junkie like me.
The social networking landscape has changed a lot in the last two years, the biggest change being its acceptance as a genuine, measurable, and necessary addition to the way people and businesses market themselves. The power of a successful social networking plan is undeniable. For the first time, we had a presidential candidate who embraced new media and used it to elevate his campaign to a level never before seen. Blogs, e-mail blasts, a modern Web site and the use of social networking sites like Twitter and Facebook helped his campaign message resonate with a growing social media generation.
I’ve seen firsthand what a great social media strategy can do for a business. Coffee Groundz is a coffee shop/bar/café/hang-out that opened two years ago in midtown Houston. The owner’s dream was to create a community atmosphere that was conducive to both hanging out and business meetings … a place that simply felt like home. To kick off his business, not only did he create a Web site, but he signed up for Twitter and Facebook. He began hosting “tweet-ups” for his “fans” and “followers” that have become huge events. He brings in live musicians, exhibits local art, holds charity events and hosts social networking breakfasts. He built his business as a community – harnessing the power of social media.
As a side note, he also chased a bank robber through midtown and handed him over to police, so he’s sort of a superhero. News of the robbery and pursuit spread via Twitter and Facebook within minutes of his tweets about it – long before any news outlets reported on it. That’s power.
We can’t deny the importance of social media any longer. Turn on the TV and you’ll probably see:
- Congressmen tweeting during sessions and votes
- Advertisers replacing Web site addresses in their ads with Twitter usernames
- Shows like “Entertainment Tonight” covering Twitter stories
- Letterman and Conan often referencing – sometimes cynically – the social media sphere
- CNN constantly posing questions to their Facebook and Twitter followers
- Companies offering Twitter- and Facebook-exclusive deals and promotions
Imagine harnessing all that power for your business. How many people could you reach? The evolution is happening, and if you haven’t embraced it, you’re already way behind.
Do you know what the best part about it is? It’s free. Sure, it costs man power and time, but those are two things you already pay for. When has there ever been a time that an advertising tool was basically free? Who ever heard of free billboards or radio spots or TV commercials or newspaper ads?
Embrace it. Use it. Make it a required part of the way you market yourself and your business.
You know what I do remember? When people thought Web sites were unnecessary and the Internet was just something to “play” on. Ha!
Follow us on Twitter: @theplanet or http://www.twitter.com/theplanet
Join us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/theplanet
Become a part of it!
-Ali
