Social Class – No Class

So, here we are again, it’s been a while since I’ve had the chance to write, I miss it.  The digital sphere is moving so quickly; like a tumble weed traveling across the plains. So many have not embraced the basics of digital media. Your brand needs a blog and content, it requires a social presence, but only if you want to distinguish yourself with the “Social Class”.

If you’re not engaged by now, it would seem you’re one of the hard core abstainers. I’ve written earlier, my favourite objection;  “this social stuff doesn’t work in my business” and when I hear this beauty, I simply agree and let them know that if at some-point social media becomes important in their business they should give me a call. Fact is that trying to change minds just takes too long and has limited results. You don’t need me to convince you what you know intuitively, some would suggest you can’t see the forest for the trees (hope that’s not you.)

Now let’s get back to the basics and have a brief discussion about ensuring your brand is part of the “Social Class”. Just to recap, our team focuses on the Top 5, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, Slideshare & YouTube. Additionally, we’ve added the distant yet to be determined Google+. It has a growing audience and according to Mashable it has over 400 Million users. In any event the social sphere continues to develop and are building services for advertising and promotion. The hard core abstainers consider this; like ads in magazines, newspapers, radio and television.

According to eMarketer “Top Web and Mobile Properties of 2012” Facebook has the second most unique visitors per month at approx 153 Million (that’s right Million). Clearly your customers are on Facebook and it goes without saying that you should be there too. Imagine that your competition is building it’s brand and brand awareness while your company is not participating – can you or will you be able explain this? My message is quite simple, you need to join the “Social Class” and get social. Create your Facebook page and start posting, provide some information unique about your company and your brand. Share some information related to your industry or your staff or even your favourite hobby. Get out there, these numbers are real!

The same article points to 128.3 Million unique users on YouTube meaning that you need to get your video channel engaged. What, you don’t have a video channel? OK so we’ll get this at some point in the future. Yet, it also provides all the more reason to get your social media pages working for you, building brand and driving leads. We’ll come back to YouTube later in the year, video consumption is off the charts and this stat is continuing to climb.

eMarketer in this article “Consumers in Canada Head Online to Watch TV, Movies”  points out that as of November 2012, 73% of Canadians have between 1-5 devices that are internet connected (read this as computer, phone, tablet, laptop, soon to be wireless TV). The point here is that your customers are connected. If your company and brands are NOT working in social everyday then I’d suggest you close up the doors. Your other marketing efforts are not anywhere close to having the impact of social media and engaging your fans, friends, followers, prospects or customers.

As Columbo used to say, “Just one more thing”, the same article rank notes that Google is the number one website accessed monthly with 176.6 Million unique visitors monthly. So, in case you think it’s just a social media issue, well it isn’t. The main factor has been and continues to be building your brand on Google. The fastest and easiest way is through the Google Adwords program. This will provide immediate traffic and if the offer is right immediate sales. Yes, we provide Google Adwords programs as well, I feel it’s the correct starting place with any customer.

There you have it!  eMarketer provides you with lots of information, it’s valuable and timely. You can follow our blog. join our email list, LIKE us on Facebook, FOLLOW us on Twitter etc . This will allow you to keep it to just the highlights, after all it’s what we do.

Today, it’s your choice, Social Class or NO Class, that’s your call. Happy New Year!

Michael Bickerton, Raven5 Ltd, Toronto, January 2013

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