In the never-ending quest to find an easy way to make money from home, you can’t avoid the internet. Few industries are as reliant on it as finances, which is why; when it comes to working remotely, opportunities abound and don’t seem to cease.
The internet has changed the way we do business and how we interact with customers. While it can be very beneficial, a lot of work goes into building a good online identity, which means you’ll need to put in the time to build a following and make money online. It’s never easy, but the rewards can be great.
The Basics Of Online Social Media Marketing
Just like any other form of marketing, online social media marketing (also known as ‘digital marketing’) involves a combination of organic and paid marketing methods. Organic marketing involves getting your product or service in front of potential customers without spending money to do so. Organic marketing is typically driven by ‘word of mouth’ or ‘good old fashioned’ traditional methods of marketing such as TV and radio ads. When used effectively, these methods can be extremely beneficial to your bottom line.
Paid marketing, on the other hand, is when you pay money to get someone to notice or think about your product or service. Perhaps the most popular form of paid marketing is advertising. With Google AdWords, for example, you can set up automatic payment each time someone clicks on your ad. The advantage of paid marketing is that it’s measurable, and you’ll know exactly how much success you’re experiencing. It also allows you to target the right audience to get the best results.
The Four Main Types Of Social Media
While the internet has given birth to countless websites and online communities, not all of them are created equal. What you need to know is that there are four basic types of social media, and each one serves a specific purpose:
- Traditional: This is where most people prefer to post. It’s generally considered to be the safest bet when it comes to social media as it requires the least amount of effort to maintain. Traditional social media usually takes the form of status updates, stories, and photos. If you’ve ever followed a celebrity on Instagram, you’ll most likely have come across a traditional profile.
- Community: This type of social media allows you to connect with and engage with people who have shared interests. Communities often exist within specific geographic locations or topics of conversation. For example, you could join the ‘Marilyn Manson’ community on Reddit if you’re a fan of the musician.
- Network: This type of social media acts as a connector between businesses, individuals, and other online communities such as social networks or blogs. It’s often referred to as the’middle ground’ between traditional and community social media. When used correctly, networks can be a powerful tool for building a brand and expanding your reach.
- Personal: This type of social media is all about you. Your friends, your family, and maybe even your pets are able to follow you on this category of network. Keep in mind that your friends on social media don’t necessarily have to be your’real life’ friends. Your followers on TikTok could just as easily be your favorite anime fans or fellow sports enthusiasts.
Each type of social media has its perks, but it’s also important to understand the differences in order to choose the right platform for your needs. If you’re just starting out, it’s recommended that you begin with traditional social media and then explore the other three platforms as you gain experience.
Why Should You Try Online Social Media Marketing?
Thanks to the wonders of the internet and online communities, you have the ability to connect with millions of people across the globe. As previously mentioned, the internet has changed the way we do business and how we interact with customers. This is especially prevalent when it comes to working remotely, where you can set up shop and connect with potential customers via email or phone. With the right marketing strategy, you can reach people who would’ve never given you the time of day before now. With that in mind, it’s time to explore the perks of online social media marketing.
Traditional social media is usually the first choice for many businesses due to its relative simplicity. Established companies can also enjoy the benefits of a social media presence thanks to their highly engaged followers. It’s also a place where employees, especially marketers, can interact with customers and grow their personal brands. Another perk of having a traditional social media presence is that your content often appears in the form of status updates, stories, and photos, all of which are easily shareable and can therefore be used for SEO purposes.
The Great British Bake Off Might Help You Win Customers With Food
There are plenty of ways you can use food to enhance your marketing strategy. If you own a bakery or restaurant, for example, you could use the Great British Bake Off to your advantage. One of the most popular food-related competitions in the United Kingdom, the Great British Bake Off has been responsible for some amazing advertising moments. In 2019, for example, Oreo Cookies promoted their new line of dark chocolate cookies with a comedic ad that brilliantly blends in-your-face comedy with a pitch-perfect recreation of a GBBO-themed baking booth. Take a look: