Will you use social networking in 2008?

I just got off a webinar that discussed social networking...how it works, deciding which one (or ones) will work for you.

Lots of opinions out there but the one point that experts seem to agree on is that you've got to have a strategy about this.  You can't just leap into some form of this without an understanding of where your brand is going and how these strategies will help you.

Here's a couple of things to think about...

Who's your target market?  I know I hammer that point all the time, but it's really a critical issue for all your brand building and marketing efforts.  If you don't know who you're trying to reach, then how can you decide what will work best?

Don't write off social networking because your target is Boomers or Generation Jones.  We Jones-ers are among the fastest growing group of technology-embracers out there.  We love being early adopters and we know the importance of staying on top of this stuff...Keep in mind that many of us watched our parents get laid off as corporations embraced technology.  We get it!  We also understand the need to stay in touch with our big circle of friends and family. 

Include a social networking plan for internal communication.  D'UH...I wish I could say I thought of that but I didn't.  One of the smarties on the webinar (from Bulldog Solutions) mentioned it and what a great idea.  It's certainly a way to get your feet wet and make your mistakes behind the scenes...then when you roll it out to your market you'll have worked the kinks out.  An internal plan (wiki...blog...etc.) can also help the people in mahogany row get a little moe comfortable with the concept of community.

Things will probably start slowing down soon as we ease in to the holiday season.  Buy lunch for your team and sit around talking about this. 

Any ideas on what you'll implement and how?

Comments

[Branding Blog]

As a branding agency owner its fun to see what others in our industry are saying. I believe social media will be the next evolution in word of mouth marketing. We strongly recommend it to our clients and actively participate in Facebook, LinkedIn, our own branding blog and a few others.

[Winnie]

That's cool Branding Blog. We're going to be creating a whole strategy for ourselves and will continue to recommend the same for our clients. We're probably going to add video to our site as well and we think there are many clients whose sites would benefit from that.

Thanks for commenting.
Winnie