Marketing Blog

One of the biggest challenges facing online marketers is the wall that often gets set up between discussion and marketing. With social media platforms quickly becoming the most popular properties on the web, more and more people are expecting two-way conversation from their online resources.

Sadly, online advertising is struggling to keep up. While banner advertisements and PPC marketing is still in full swing, it is slowly losing effectiveness to a new kind of marketing: the direct, two-way social media message.

The problem is that it is incredibly hard to create this message. Users are on social media platforms to escape direct marketing, not to encounter it. While it is still worthwhile marketing online, it is smart to take some certain precautions and strategic ideas first. These seven simple tips can help your online marketing presences have more personality, more authenticity, and more effect when connecting with an online audience.

1: Ignore slang.
If there is one marketing mistake that is constantly made, it is using out of touch slang in advertisements. As elementary as it sounds, when a group of 40 year olds is marketing to teenagers, sometimes the subtle differences in conversation are lost. Do not try to connect through speech. Connect through ideas, and enter the conversation with a neutral, understandable voice.

2: Authenticity means no direct marketing.
As tempting as it is to send out one, just one link to your product, it is much more valuable to ignore the temptation. Whenever you directly market a product online, you will no doubt get some buyers. The problem is that you destroy long-term potential with other people. Focus on fostering an audience, not on creating direct sales through social media.

3: Gimmicks are a waste of time, and very transparent.
Sure, a gimmick might buy your business some short-term attention, but it is generally not something that will stand the test of time. The online audience wants authenticity, and transparent marketing gimmicks do nothing but destroy long-term marketing potential. Focus on the prize, not the short-term bonuses.

4: Use real details, and real personality.
A brand name gains trust, but it does not bleed personality. When you use a real name and identity for your online marketing, the trust between you and your audience increases dramatically. Instead of branding your Twitter account with a business name, give it a real identity so that people can speak to you directly.

5: People love special features.
Why do you think the DVD market is so huge? People do not always buy the DVD for the movie; ultra-dedicated fans buy it to see what went into making the movie. If your business always draws attention online, reward your true fans with an inside look into how things are run in your neck of the woods. It requires little input from your business, but the reward for your followers is gigantic, and can create huge word of mouth.

6: Every now and then, blow someone away.
Great customer service is about telling a story, and when you give a customer great service, they will happily tell it for you. Social media has given the little guy so much more room to speak, and it is your job as a marketer to ensure that they are speaking about you.

7: Ask for balanced, real feedback.
The best way to improve is to know exactly where you are failing. Market research does not have to begin and end at product creation. When you test not just your products, but your company, you open yourself up to massive, rapid improvement. Ask your customers how they view you and how you could improve, and you will quickly become a remarkable business.

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Tags:internet marketing,marketing campaigns,online promotion,social marketing,social networking,targeted marketing,web 2.0 marketing,website promotion

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