Social media bubble?

Despite all the excitement about social media, some people think that social media offers the potential of a meltdown similar to the one experienced by the the dot.com industry eight years ago.

In an article published in Media Life, Paul Benjou writes the following:

"Social networking sites are about people communicating with one another and sharing information. It's not a format that's suited for ad messages. In that environment, advertising becomes social interference, in some ways akin to eavesdropping, and it has the potential to backfire".

To read the full article click HERE.

Should social media drive traffic to your site?

I came across two opinions about social media that are quite different.

The first one goes like this:

"The point of using social media as part of a marketing or PR strategy for a small business is to drive traffic and generate sales." Peter Shankman, founder and CEO of The Geek Factory, a boutique marketing and PR strategy firm in New York City. Read full article HERE.

The second one goes like this:

"Facebook marketing is not about driving traffic to your web site. Keep Facebook users on Facebook." Online Marketing blog. Read full article HERE.

So, my question is this: Should social media drive traffic to your site or not?

Twitter for businesses

The popular Twitter has become a very useful tool for companies to promote their ideas and products. Check out the Twitter 101 section of the site to have a look at best practices and case studies of the way Twitter is being used by companies.

Click HERE to visit Twitter 101.

Three useful and easy social media ideas

I read an interesting article by Alexandra Samuel that offers three useful suggestions for companies that are skeptical or afraid of getting deeply involved into a social media campaign. The three suggestions are:

1. Add a suggestion box into your website
"What is it: Invite your customers, supporters or employees to submit their ideas and suggestions for new products, services or improvements".

2. Create a widget for your company
"What is it: Create an interactive badge your customers or supporters can place on their Facebook pages or blogs".

3. Promote your company's special deals on the cyberspace
"What is it: Create an online presence that lets people know about a special, time-limited offer".

To read the full article click HERE.

A short social media business example

Today, I read a short but useful post written by Massimo Paolini from the Examiner.com. He provides a short scenario which exemplifies the way a small business can promote its activities using social media tools. Check it out:

"Let's say you have a hair salon in Willow Glen. First, you'll want to create your own fan page on Facebook. Post pictures of your store and staff there. On your Twitter account, you can send out "tweets" about specials and new stylists or products. Advertise on Craigslist, and make sure your website is bookmarked on del.icio.us. Add more pictures on Flickr especially if your stylists are creating unique styles--and ask customers to post reviews on Yelp."

Click HERE to read the full post.