Social Media Help?

[ChloeP]

I was wondering if you guys would mind giving me a hand.

I'm just doing a bit of research about the importance of social media in marketing and I wondered how many people are likely to buy something based on something they've seen on twitter/facebook etc.
I personally don't follow big companies but have followed smaller, preferably local businesses and have probably looked at their websites etc purely because I've interacted with them on twitter, or seen one of my friends 'like' a facebook page.
Looking online there seem to a lot of businesses around now who offer to do handle the social media side of things for you, this kind of thing for example http://www.icontact.com/features/social-media-marketing/twitter-publishing http://www.icontact.com/features/social-media-marketing/twitter-publishing so it must be an important part of marketing.
What do people think? Do you run away from direct marketing online? Thanks!

 

[teh_chem]

I don't think direct marketing is at all effective on me when it comes from social media like facebook or linkedin (I don't use twitter). Doesn't mean that it's not effective on other people or demographics though.

What I do think social media is beneficial for with regards to businesses is another way to network. To make connections with people who can help you in more or different ways. And I think that is often more important than a different type of method like ad-placement. Not to say ad-placement is not important, but it depends on where the business is and what its goals are.

 

[Ruuke]

Personally, I don't like when I get spammed with the ads in my FB feed. But if I see a friend like or recommend a local business I'm more-likely to check them out than if I see the sign driving down the street.

 

[ChloeP]

Personally, I don't like when I get spammed with the ads in my FB feed.

I'm the same to be honest, and I haven't heard from anyone who's ever been swayed by them. I think most people find them invasive.

I don't think direct marketing is at all effective on me when it comes from social media like facebook or linkedin (I don't use twitter). Doesn't mean that it's not effective on other people or demographics though.

This is a good point. I use twitter, and I think one of the most effective things I've seen on there is companies using it less like an ad space, and more as a means of communicating with people who might be, or already are, interested in their product.
For example, a UK-based brewery called Brewdog. They do post up links to what they sell, but most if the time it's focus in engaging with people. Starting competitions, using hashtags etc. I think it makes it feel more relatable maybe?