Is Online Marketing Destroying Social Networking?
Is Online Marketing Destroying Social Networking?
WOW, now that's an interesting question and one that is being
asked throughout the web!
There's nothing intrinsically wrong with online marketing or
internet marketing as a process. But what is wrong are the numerous
claims that are made about certain products being sold through this
medium as effectively the best thing since sliced bread... which they
clearly aren't!
Clearly, the Internet has drawn a lot of people online to sell
products... and the only real view of a product quality or value is
the refund or the opt out.
But what has that to do with social media or social networking?
Clearly, when you have a market as big as social networking,
it's obvious that advertisers are going to spend a lot of money trying
to get to those customers.
However, internet marketers and business in general is missing
out on the real opportunity for developing real trust and two way
buyer/seller collaboration and communication using a hybrid of social
media!
Imagine these two scenario's:
Scenario 1: Online Marketing
A seller creates a website and advertises his/her product using
the latest internet marketing techniques. A potential buyer sees the
ad and subscribes to an email. The buyer is now going to get up to 7
emails with videos and great ad copy telling them how great the
product is; they might even get some incentives to buy and possibly
even some 'valuable' bonuses... the buyer then pays the money and the
product is electronically or physically delivered. The buyer will
review the product and either obtains value from it or request a
refund. The seller may continue to market to the buyer through
up-sells or cross-selling other products until eventually that person
unsubscribes or is removed from the list.
Notice in these types of arrangements there is no real 2 way
communication or 2 way relationship where the buyer can influence the
seller. Its a very reactive (yet highly lucrative) process that
usually favours the seller.
Scenario 2: Social Media
In this scenario we can look at the process social media has in
the selling process.
This time a seller creates a website on a social media site and
through his/her efforts attracts people to the site where he/she
advertises products/links through to a sales site. In addition, he/she
has an area of their site set aside for existing customers to offer
content, testimonials etc that say how great the product is (or isn't)
and that place enables two way communication and relationship
development.
Now the potential buyer sees the web page/landing page and
joins a group. The buyer is now eligible to see all the content the
seller and other buyers have added... and yes, it might even show
videos and provide incentives to buy and possibly even some 'valuable'
bonuses... again the buyer pays the money and the product is
electronically or physically delivered.
The buyer reviews the
product and either obtains value from it or request a refund.
But this time, throughout the entire process, the seller enables
all of his/her customers to come together and discuss products, advise
challenges and give ideas.
This process builds the relationship and trust so that the buyer
doesn't need to be sold to. In these types of arrangements there is
real 2 way
communication and 2 way relationships where the buyer most definitely
influences the
seller. It's a very proactive process that favours both the buyer and
the seller.
In this example, you'll see that it's not internet marketing
that driving the process but social media itself!
That's the value of having the right process involved in your
communications and selling process. And that's where Ideas-Shared
comes in... because we're first and foremost a resource that drives
the situation as in scenario two above.
All you need to do is join us and get started being proactive
with your clients/customers/buyers! If you've a great product and
great service then you've nothing to lose and everything to gain!
So join today - http://www.ideas-shared.com!
It's free!
0 comment(s)