The equation has changed. Search engines have a new rival, social networking sites/applications. People spend an enormous amount of time on Social sites like Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, Flicker, blogs, etc.
Social sites = Relevant, ranked and reviewed results, with in your community/clan/tribe. Finding a product or service has moved from a search recommendation web 1.0 world to a community recommendation system. Twitter.com, the tremendously successful micro blogging site has taken user engagement to a new level. It encourages an “always on” connected community. People blast out short message (140 or less) to their network. These messages can be sent from their computers, their iphones, blackberries, or any cell phone that can text. Real time life casting. Social networking sites allow brands to:
- Reach their loyal customer base at almost no cost and in real time.
- Social sites can be used as a feedback loop.
- Enhance products
- respond to criticism
- Get ideas for new products
Social Media can rapidly build a brand or destroy it. Where do you want to be?