The rise of social media marketing has completely shifted the entire landscape of online marketing mainly because consumers now have a voice and the ability to communicate their input regarding the pros and cons, suggestions, and concerns of a specific product or service through social media. So basically due to social media being used as marketing tools for businesses, the online business world has developed from a monologue between brands and their consumers to a dialogue between brands and their consumers. Social Media Marketing is a relatively new form of online marketing where small businesses and large corporations use social network sites such as Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and LinkedIn as direct communication and marketing channels. Companies use these social media channels to generate data and information about their target market and communicate information to their target market regarding their products and or services. When did social media marketing begin?
In 1969 was when social media marketing began. The company CompuServe created the first ever commercial service online.
What were some monumental events that impacted the growth of Social Media Marketing?- In 1971- first Email
- In 1978- BBS Bulletin Board Systems were created.
- In 1989 the world Wide Web was created.
- In 1994 the first blog was created by links.net
- In 1999 blogger was launched
- In 2002 the social media network site Friendster was launched. This social media network racked up 90 million registered users and over 60 million visitors every month.
- Facebook was launched in 2004 initially for Harvard student use only. As the word spread so did Facebook. The Facebook network eventually expanded into other schools, then to secondary schools, then to businesses, and then to everyone.
- Youtube was launched in 2005.
- Twitter was launched in 2006.
- Social media networks go mobile in 2007. Friendfeed and tumbler were also launched in the same year making the mobile use of social media more convenient and efficient for the users.
- In 2008 viral video proves its power due to a video clip of a Burger King Employee bathing in a company washroom sink(gross). The video sparked awareness of social media by users regarding videos uploaded on social media sites like youtube and vevo.
- The movie "Bruno" dies three days following the release of the film in 2009 due to negative reviews, comments, and word of mouth via social media networks. This event was an eye opener that showed the power consumers have over brands by using social media.
Here is a short video clip of a 2010 NFL Superbowl ad for Old Spice Deodorant. I know many of you have already seen the ad numerous times and can agree it is absolutely hilarious and makes no sense at all, but this specific ad is a perfect example on how effective social media marketing has truly become. Within 24 hours over 5.9 million Youtube users responded to the video through comments and "likes".
I have discussed with you guys some of the key events that have impacted the rapid growth of social media marketing. It all began with slow working ineffcient blogs and has grown into an instant ability for users to network with friends and families and for corporations to alcommunicate instantly with their desired consumers. So where do you guys think social media marketing is heading? What do you think the online landscape for social media will look like even 5 years from now?
Thanks for reading my post guys! Happy Thanksgiving!
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