Effective Social Media Marketing Strategies

Most traditional forms of advertising are passive in nature. For example, the TV or internet ad blares information at the viewer. However, users of social media like to feel that they are participating and are actively involved. Companies who can engage social media users in an interactive way can establish a much more extensive brand recognition and more loyal following among consumers than companies that rely on passive ads. This is something a brand marketing company can help businesses with.

 

Forbes has described how several companies have engaged consumers by promoting a lifestyle and opportunities for philanthropy among consumers. Aside from encouraging acts of philanthropy, they encourage consumers to voice opinions about the company, the brand, and the lifestyle/philanthropy opportunities. These consumers are engaged and active in supporting the brand.

For example, TOMS, a shoe manufacturing company, began its social media campaign by offering to donate one pair of shoes to a needy child for every pair of shoes purchased by a consumer. They rapidly gained 2 million Twitter followers. They have continued to raise awareness of their brand by promoting their annual "One Day Without Shoes", a day each May when they encourage consumers to go barefoot to raise awareness of poverty. The company encourages consumers to engage in conversations on social media about what they are personally doing to help those in need. During these conversations, the brand name is spread by the consumers themselves. This is a very effective way of using social media for advertising.