Erica Roberts graduated from Oregon State University in 2011 with a B.S. in Marketing. She is an avid reader and writer, and is extremely passionate about social media. Erica currently holds several part time marketing positions, and is searching for a full time career. Connect with Erica on LinkedIn.
It’s been said hundreds of times: if a business wants to directly connect with their customers in an (extremely) cost efficient way, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and the like are the way to do it.
The problem with social media being so available is that most companies don’t believe they need to do it right. Organizations think they can start throwing out content and they will automatically gain followers and friends.
They couldn’t be more wrong.
Businesses need to understand that since their target market is all over social media, we understand how to use it correctly, and we do it ALL day long.
I have been “followed” by several companies who have the standard blue-sky Twitter background, an egg profile picture, 2 tweets and 14 followers. That doesn’t show me you’re new to the game and need some time to establish your Twitter profile – it shows me that you launched a product too early, and I will remember that.
On the other hand, if I’m followed by a company that has more than a thousand tweets, a branded background, and a bunch of followers, I am going to engage with them – and, perhaps most importantly, remember them when I see their product on a shelf or a website.
Organizations need to realize that people are social media. If you aren’t engaging and putting a personality behind your brand, you are dead in the water. It’s the same as being at a PR event – all day, every day. Show your personality! If you’re H&R Block, I want financial advice. If you’re Old Spice, give me some jokes!
Isn’t it a little late in the social media game to be still noticing things like this? If I have access to webinars teaching me how to engage properly, I know companies do.
How do you keep your followers and friends engaged? Hit us up on Twitter or on Facebook, or even right below in the comments section to let us know!
