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Social Media and Different Platforms
The trend of social media and interaction via this medium has increased. Social media is used by companies now to interact, share, and create information and knowledge regarding their products and services via smart use of technological advancements. (Toni, p.13) Social media is supportive in making of virtual networks and communities where people can be discuss their experiences, give suggestions for improvement of product and services of an organization. According to Kaplan, (p.61) social media are community-based internet and smart phone applications where people can interact together, enhance their virtual experience of a product. With the help of social media, different mobile and internet applications are developed which are considered highly interactive platforms for both customers and companies.
The major difference between traditional media and social media is the frequency through which the social media reaches mass markets, quality and services that are provided and accessible via social media as compared to traditional media, the durableness, easy access and immediate information availability is a major success of social media. It has been clear that internet users and even smartphone users spend more time on social networking and different social media sites as compared to other websites.(Harris, p.18) Not only have these social media websites provided with employment opportunities but also sales and profitability to business who operate via this marketing channel. Different social media platforms used by companies are social networks, social news pages, micro-blogging, forums, and blogs to sell their products and media sharing.
Explain the reason and manner in which companies use Social Media
- Social Networks: One most popular form of social media is social network websites and interactive programs available on the internet. These networks help people to communicate and interact with each other on common interests. Different communities are made to help each other; various groups are available to discuss on topics and different businesses have organized their pages and groups to sell their products and services. Most common social networks these days are facebook and Linkedin. (Tang, pp.41-45)
- Social News: This popular medium allows people to post news and latest updates on topics of their interests so other people can also follow and vote the news topics. Voting is considered important, as the number of votes will decide that which news should be brought up front. Social news pages such as Digg and Reddit are gaining importance. (Tang, pp.50-56)
- Microblogging: In this social media, people follow to receive short updates on news, services or product of a company. One such example is Twitter account. (Tang, p.75)
- Media Sharing: This social media helps anyone to upload pictures, videos and share with others to watch and rate or write their reviews for example Youtube and Flickr.
Describe the positive effects social media have on companies
In 2011, Wal-Mart launched different mobile programs that brought great innovations and improvement in mobile technology in mobile applications such as push notifications, codes, etc. WalMart made it extremely easy for consumers to interact with the company via mobile phone by providing them with the most possible physical store location. (Bloemer, p.499) This technological advancement helped Wal-Mart gain customer satisfaction and brand loyalty in the manner that:
- Consumers all over the world were able to use their smartphones to search for their required product details on mobile application of company and search for coupons and any promotions going on in company before even having to visit the store personally. Hence, with the use of mobile technology all the sales, coupons and promotional deals can be automatically allocated to the products online and same in store.
- With the help of mobile access, the consumers can make their grocery list sitting at home, checking the amount they need to spend and arrange for the appropriate money before visiting the store itself.
- Wal-Mart has customized the entire experience to such an extent that, the customers can use their smartphones while they are in the store to find out which aisles store the required products in stock.
- Another very convenient application Wal-Mart has offered its customers is that they can use Scan & Go technology through which they can use their smartphones and make their grocery list and send it to the checkout lane of the store. This way their grocery is bagged and they do not have to stand in line or long queues for payment and just go and pick up their grocery. (Peter, pp.395-402)
With such innovative ideas, Wal-Mart is using smart technology of mobile completely and since they are providing their customers rich customized experience they are working on improving customer satisfaction.
Conclusion
The trend of social media and interaction via this medium has increased. Social media are used by companies now to interact, share, and create information and knowledge regarding their products and services via smart use of technological advancements. The major difference between traditional media and social media is the frequency through which the social media reaches mass markets, quality and services that are provided and accessible via social media as compared to traditional media, the durableness, easy access and immediate information availability is a major success of social media. Different social media platforms used by companies are social networks, social news pages, micro-blogging, forums, and blogs to sell their products and media sharing.
Work Cited
Ahlqvist, Toni; Bäck, A.; Halonen, M.; Heinonen, S (2008). "Social media road maps exploring the futures triggered by social media." VTT Tiedotteita – Valtion Teknillinen Tutkimuskeskus (2454): p.13.
Bloemer.J, Ruyter. K, (1998), On the relationship between store image, store satisfaction and store loyalty, European Journal of Marketing, Vol. 32, Issue: 5/6, pp.499 – 51
Harris, Kandace (2008). "Using Social Networking Sites as Student Engagement Tools." Diverse Issues in Higher Education 25 (18).
Kaplan Andreas M., Haenlein Michael (2010). "Users of the world, unite! The challenges and opportunities of social media". Business Horizons 53 (1). p. 61
Peter Jones, et al, (2005), The benefits, challenges and impacts of radio frequency identification Technology (RFID) for retailers in the UK", Marketing Intelligence & Planning, Vol. 23 Issue: 4, pp.395 – 402.
Tang, Qian; Gu, Bin; Whinston, Andrew B. (2012). "Content Contribution for Revenue Sharing and Reputation in Social Media: A Dynamic Structural Model." Journal of Management Information Systems 29: 41–75
