Social marketing has redefined the way we advertise. Thanks to social media, brands can now leverage user-generated content and peer endorsement to gain visibility and drive sales. Because of its ability to supercharge Word-of-mouth, social marketing also makes it easier than ever for brands to create memorable ads that people actually want to share.
What is Social Marketing?
Social marketing has several definitions, but for our purposes, we’ll define it as a strategy that uses social media to drive purchases.
Social media includes networks like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, and LinkedIn, and it’s typically free to use. This means that brands with smaller budgets can use social media to advertise, while companies with deeper pockets can use it as a paid channel.
Benefits of Social Marketing
The many potential benefits associated with social marketing will depend on your business, your goals, and the social channels you choose to use.
In general, though, social marketing has a number of benefits that make it a great choice for a wide range of businesses:
- Social Media as an Advertising Channel – Social media has become a popular advertising channel, especially among younger demographics. Consumers are spending more time on social media than ever before, meaning they’re often seeing ads while they’re on these platforms.
- Social Media as an Engagement Channel – With social, companies can not only drive sales, but also increase brand loyalty, collect customer feedback, and create a sense of community. In other words, social is not just about selling products; it’s about selling your brand as well.