Have you ever been targeted by a sponsored post from a web shop on
social media the day after you searched for a product online at that same web
shop? This is how companies are trying to reach their customers nowadays. This
example symbolizes the power of the internet and to what extent marketers can
take advantage of this power. Although social media gets more users every day, the
majority of users are young adults who have grown up with the use of social
platforms. That’s why these young adults are the most attractive group to be responsible
for the social media presence of a company.
Social media has been constantly evolving and growing in popularity since its development. Next to a platform for individuals to communicate with each other and to share information, it gives companies the ability to reach a wide audience, provide immediate information, and built relationships with their customers. The Pew Research Center (2015) states in their paper that approximately 65% of the adults are using some form of social media. Given that many people used to be a little hesitant when it came to the use of social media, the research shows that nowadays a majority of social media users think that companies should have a presence of social media and use it to interact with their customers.
Companies do not only increase their engagement with consumers on
social media though the use of polls, reviews, feedback, and contests. They
also target their audience directly with the use of social influencers. They engage
in a collaboration with someone who has many followers on Instagram. Brands for
example give the influencer free products in exchange for a post on which the
product is promoted, or they pay them for a sponsored post. This is known as
branded content. You will find more information about branded content and other ways of advertising on Instagram by clicking on this link.
With the use of social media, businesses try to reach a new
generation of customers. Most users of social media are born between the early ‘80s
and ’00s, the so called millennials. They are the most technologically sophisticated
generation in history. Social media is this generation's second nature.
Therefore, a company must seem real to earn their attention. The marketing must
be authentic and millennials have to connect with your product in a genuine way.
Today, without social media a company will not be able to solve
customer service issues immediately, gain feedback easily and directly from
consumers on their products or marketing campaigns, and interact with consumers
quickly and on a more personal level. With the help of a young and creative online
marketing professional, your company can make a difference in the advertising
environment. They thoroughly know the social media environment and know what users
want to see online. Keep up with your competitors and start targeting your
audience via platforms such as Instagram and Facebook, with the help of a young
and creative mind.