Marketing in Social Media, Does it Work?

How many times have you received a marketing email soliciting a product or service? Once you’ve opened it, do you actually acton it or do you just discard it? Maybe the offer is enticing but it’s not the exact deal you are looking for so you delete it. Why didn’t that campaign work? Maybe It did not reach you at a time when you were truly looking for this product or service. What happens if that same email is asking you to become a fan of a Facebook page or to follow them on Twitter? If you can easily follow them or become a fan by the click of a mouse, would you consider it? You figure, maybe that deal will come along, and when it does, you will know, and you will be interested.

Facebook and Twitter is not just for social purposes anymore, corporations like Royal Caribbean are becoming more caught up in social media, using it as a powerful marketing tool. Having a fan page on Facebook allows potential clientele to stay up to date with products, services, and information on deals they offer. This is great and effective example internet marketing at its best where a corporation can continue to build its brand identity, social credibility with a younger and current generation, and continue to increase its following in a cost effective way.

Why it works.

Once a consumer chooses to follow you on Twitter or become a fan of your Facebook page, you begin building a relationship with the consumer that does not pressure them into buying anything they don’t want but still allows them to stay informed, possibly waiting for something they need. Another reason this type of internet marketing works is because of the increasing number of the general population that is getting their information from the web, and socializing on sites like Twitter and Facebook.

The factors that have led to an internet dependent society is a lengthy. Even the economy has played an important role forcing the usually careless consumer to become more mindful and research information online before spending and making a consumer decision. With the introduction of the mobile internet ’s fast evolving internet connection, consumers are more likely to use their phones or computers to get their news, shop, and yes, even book a vacation than rather turning on the TV, radio, or picking up a phone. In today’s world, being able to reach your consumer through the internet on a personal level is one of the best ways to attain a customer.

In the entire marketing aspect of having a fan page on Facebook or a profile on Twitter, the social value is not lost. These are social sites after all, where consumers can find other consumers exchanging experiences and probably positive details about a product or service a company is offering. It becomes a friendly environment for the consumer making it an easier decision when it is time to buy.

Understanding how and when your consumers are spending their money will allow you to stay ahead of the competition. Royal Caribbean is a marketing success with a great brand identity, alluring TV commercials, and appealing print advertising. The fact that they are also working on the internet to market themselves proves that internet marketing and more particularly social media cannot be ignored in promotion efforts.