Source of image
Catalysed by the ubiquitous social web, our lives are becoming inseparable from that of our networks. We are addicted to the constant online “strokes” delivered by our friends, and crave their likes, shares, comments and retweets.
Like it or loathe it, much of what happens in real life (IRL) is intimately intertwined to how we behave in the virtual world. And we’re lovin’ it.
Can you tame the social media shrew? (source of image)
Social media is a lot like fire. It is a good servant but a bad master.
As a content and social media marketing consultant, my job involves studying how people behave on social media and what brands can do to add value to online communities.
Courtesy of Hollywood Sapien
We’re both actors and audiences in the age of ubiquitous mobile social networks. Powered by tablets and smartphones, we either play the role of thespians or theatre-goers.
Don’t believe me? Well, consider the following:
Courtesy of Amply Emmy
“Aaargh! I really hate that stupid nincompoop! Let me just post a truly nasty update on Facebook revealing how silly he is…”
Now wait a minute there. Before you go on your online rampage, take a chill pill.
Courtesy of Simplify 360
The greatest challenge of the social media age isn’t to grow the largest fan or follower base. Nor to achieve the greatest “virality” in our digital campaigns.
Rather, it is this:
“How can we better reach prospects, convert them to customers, and serve their interests through social media?”
Courtesy of uknowkids.com
Teens are leaving Facebook in droves. Well, at least according to this recent report on US teenagers.
Citing data from Piper Jaffray’s “Taking Stock with Teens” survey, the article highlighted the following:
Image courtesy of Fedobe
In the age of social media, life becomes a spectator sport. The only difference is that we’re both the athlete and the audience in this arena.
Meals, shopping trips, holidays, and events become Instagram, Flickr or YouTube moments. Daily murmurs are framed on Facebook while fleeting thoughts (in 140 characters or less) are immortalised on Twitter. The more verbose (like yours truly) would seek the solace of blogs, documenting their thoughts in detail.
Lady Gaga‘s little Japanese Monsters show lots of brand love (courtesy of Tokyofashion.com)
No brand is an island. Especially in the age of the mobile social web.
Going it alone is foolish when competitors are hot on your heels. It can also be extremely expensive to invest continually in new product development, mass advertising, and promotions to drive sales. What’s more, there will always be a bigger fish in the ocean.
If content is the bread that sustains the social web, communities would be the hams, cheeses and salads which nourish it.
Without communities, the most intriguing and fascinating content would lie fallow. In fact, one of the must dos in social media marketing is to build your social networks, recruit your fans, inculcate brand love, and get them to spread the word.
Courtesy of What’s The Future of Business (illustration by Hugh Macleod)
Business as usual isn’t going to cut it anymore. Not with the rise of Generation-C.
According to renowned thinker Brian Solis (love his work!), Gen-C individuals spend an inordinate amount of time online and live a large fraction of their lives accessing information and interacting with others on the Internet.