While most of us use social networks to maintain and expand friendships, it turns out that we are increasingly involved with brand promotion and criticism. So says Anderson Analytics, with the above stats, presented in the graphic of e-Marketer.
Let me see. Do I believe this?
Became a Fan or Follower
Yes, I’ve become a Facebook fan of Starbucks, of software vendors, in addition to the businesses of our SCORE clients, whom we volunteer to help. I’m in the majority, the 52% that have become fans or followers of businesses.
Said Something Good about a Brand or Company
I’ve been known to praise the Sunday New York Times on Facebook, promote SEOMoz and WordPress on Twitter. OK, I’m also in that 46% who have said good things about brands in social media.
Said Something Bad about a Brand or Company
I complained on Twitter that Microsoft’s Outlook does not allow us to save trees and print a single page of an email. Even used the #Microsoft hashtag to get their attention. (No response.) Looks like I’m in the 23% of brand nay-sayers, too.
Promoted Some Other Company or Brand
When you find something useful that a company created, and it’s in your niche, will help your readers, you promote it. Recent posts on the freemium tool for social media monitoring called Sm2 and the open source software comparison of Idealware are examples of my recent promotions. Count me in the 18% that have promoted another company.
Promoted Your Own Business
You bet I’m Facebooking, blogging and Twittering to promote SCORE Chicago, my Web 2.o Marketing blog and this one. I’m even in that 12% who are boosting their own business.
How about You?
I’ll admit that I’m as a blogger, I’m not typical. But as someone more comfortable online than most, maybe I’m the future.
Are brand builders and marketers happy with you? Are you talking about brands and businesses in your social networking? And are your customers talking about your brand and business in theirs? Please let me know in a comment. Or take this poll — click all that apply to your social networking activities.
{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
Hi Peg,
Social networks offer marketers and small businesses many opportunities to expand their reach. It’s much easier to listen and find where your customers are talking and go there rather than building a community for them.
Social media offers so much potential! The ever popular Twitter is a place to start. Here’s a case study that I put together for the Marketing Prof’s event:
http://tinyurl.com/nan3mu
Connie Bensen
Community Strategist, Techrigy/Alterian
@cbensen