Although social media is a relatively new concept, it has begun to play an important role in the marketing plan of many businesses. Tools like Facebook and Twitter are quickly becoming powerful tools in the effort to both establish and expand a business.
Starbucks for example, has long been recognized for its innovative use of technology. With the use of social media tools, Starbucks has created a digital world to interact with its customers. Starbucks uses Twitter as an open line of communication with its customers. Here they can directly respond to and solve potential customer issues making sure that their customers are satisfied. Starbucks also uses Twitter as a marketing tool by directing their customer’s attention to new products and special offers. Starbucks has also taken advantage of the benefits that Facebook offers. With the ability to upload content like photos, videos, and posts, Facebook gives Starbucks another way to advertise their products. Facebook is an addition place to announce events such as promotions and contests. Both of these strategies allows Starbucks to convert followers into customers.
Even companies such as Hasbro have jumped on the social media bandwagon. Hasbro uses Facebook and Twitter to promote their products, offer promotions, and to interact with their fans. They have even brought the experience of playing their games, such as Cranium, to their social networks. By using the game content like drawings and trivia questions, they are able to engage with their fans on a level never seen before.
Social media continues to be the most visible way for many businesses to promote their product and services, interact with their customers, as well as have a little bit of fun. The use of these tools allows many businesses to forgo the expense of traditional media such as newspapers and radio advertisements. No need to spend millions of dollars on advertising when you can have millions of fans doing it for you for free.
