Social Media – A shift from Web as content to Web as a platform.

Social media is defined as media created by the participation and contributions of real people. Social media represents an evolution of referral-based networking. It’s nothing new; in fact, it started long ago. What’s diluting the true definition of social media in the online marketplace today is all of the hype surrounding online communities. People communicate with one another in a completely new way through the power of social networks. In essence, the engine is the people.

There are now endless channels for reaching potential customers, and spending the most advertising dollars doesn’t mean being pushed to the top anymore. Maximizing the power of social media online means a mindset shift away from traditional marketing methods and into the new strategy of organic growth based on a people-driven ad network.
There are certainly obstacles when implementing a new strategy, but there can also be significant successes. Conversion is always at the heart of any marketing campaign, and what WSI Social Media, powered by Yovia, has proven is that the power of social capital far outweighs any other driver to conversion. This new paradigm requires companies to remain strategic and pragmatic when choosing a new social media campaign.

The cost-savings can be huge, as communication tools are now accessible and available to a worldwide audience. Some forms of social media include: blogs, forums, virtual worlds, news aggregators, microblogs, podcasts, mashups, wikis and social networks. Despite the varied options, one thing remains universal: It’s absolutely essential to have a reputable influence when engaging participation in dialogue from a community.

Buzz is important. It can lay the groundwork for successful campaigns in almost any industry. A podcast alone can contribute to millions in revenue, if it’s genuine and real. The goal is to engage with relevancy and not simply through interruption messaging. Engage and create good advocates through applying the principle of the “long tail,” focusing on niche content instead of widespread popularity.

Building relationships. Engaging potential customers is the way to push any message forward. Blogs written by real people with real opinions are highly effective at giving a true portrayal of a community’s response to a product or service.

Predicting a successful viral marketing campaign. How does WSI Social Media, powered by Yovia, define Social Velocity?

The 4 C’s. Through the 4 Cs of Social Velocity (Content, Connections, Community and Conversion), WSI Social Media and the Yovia engine can predict whether something will go “viral” and determine what is necessary to help a product or service achieve organic growth.

How can WSI Social Media, powered by Yovia, ensure that a client is in the best possible position before starting a social media campaign?

WSI Social Media’s use of Yovia technology offers a snapshot into the community’s reception of offerings. This happens through a Social Velocity test. WSI Social Media and the Yovia engine look at the sharing of conversation, brand perception, engagement, tone of digital dialogue and relationships, and from there, we determine qualitative results. This is a measurement of the community’s involvement.

WSI Social Media, powered by Yovia, also looks at the downloads and installs, membership, real market share, sales/new leads/qualified subscribers and site ranking to determine the quantitative measurement of a potential client’s web presence.

The best way to experience what Social Media can do for you is to try it. Start today, before the competition does.

Advantages of Social Media Marketing:

Inexpensive implementations
Ongoing campaigns can change and evolve based on community response
One click media: all data needed is in one place
Loyalty: giving expert advice and having two-way discussions
Communities that instill trust and build relationships
Increase in marketing/PR efforts; viral effects are substantial
Search optimization: multiple locations of content and credibility that are link-centric
Blogs grow and so does business
Content gets views
Creates and engages interest within communities
Individuals create the content and determine value; customers determine brand value
Videos, blogs, collaboration, podcasts and conversation determine social value

Why it’s important to leverage Social Media in Marketing:

Brand awareness
Research
Quality conversion
Announcements of product/service launches
Customer retention and loyalty
Communication with Partners
Sharing of Ideas and Expertise
Communication of a company-wide initiative/cause
Media relations
Growth of customers by behavior
User reviews
Information on demand

Fast Facts

	Despite current economic conditions video ad spending is expected to rise by 45% in 2009 to reach $850 million. - Source eMarketer, Dec 2008
	Advertisers will continue to use or increase their Search Marketing budgets in 2009. Expected growth for this online advertising tactic is in the double digits at 14.9% in 2009, to a total $12.3 billion. – Source eMarketer, Dec 2008
	Total US Internet ad spending will increase to $25.7 billion in 2009, an 8.9% growth rate. – Source eMarketer, Dec 2008
	In light of the economy US advertisers are moving millions of dollars from traditional media to the Web, to take maximum advantage of its measurability and cost-effectiveness. The same holds true for the UK and other developed nations.– Source eMarketer, Dec 2008
	Online buyers are shifting a greater share of their total purchases from stores to the Web in search of more convenience, broader product selection and cost savings. – Source eMarketer, Dec 2008