These days social media is a broad term but in essence the question "what is social media" refers to a tool or tools used to build relationships among a group of people with similar interest to share information.
Social Media Marketing (also known as SMM) is the wave of the 21st century when it comes to promoting your website or business. While Facebook and MySpace are still relatively hot, there are many other social networks coming up on their heels, ready to take their spot. Google+, LinkedIn, Twitter just to name a few.
In just the past few years, social media has changed the way marketing is done, whether you have an online presence or not. Utilizing the advantages of social media, you have the opportunity to reach more people than ever before.
Now that you know the social media definition, let's take a look at what social media marketing can do for you as well as the various social media sites available.
What is Social Media for Business
Blogs
If you own a company or website, you can start a blog to share exclusive information about your products and services. It's important to note, you don't want to make a sell from your blog. The blog should be used for the sharing of information valuable to your readers. Your content should be unique and solely serving the needs of your readers. Your loyal blog followers will gravitate to your website while increasing traffic and sales.
Tweeting has become a popular buzzword with the old and young alike. Twitter has become the go-to when running a social media campaign. Twitter provides website and business owners a simplified approach to promoting online. There are droves of registered users making it possible to share your website or business promotion with millions for free.
As one of the hottest social media networks today, LinkedIn has millions of established users. LinkedIn provides you or your business with a phenomenal way to further establish your business or website reputation. Take every available opportunity to participate in group conversations around your niche or industry. By doing this, you further expose your brand among others with similar interests.
LinkedIn also provides you the opportunity to reserve your business or website name to prevent others from using it. This ensures that you, and only you own your brand and your reputation.
YouTube
The ability to share multimedia files has been taken to a while new level by YouTube. By sharing information such as how-to guides and learning aids, you can take your website or business to a new level of exposure for website marketing and social media.
Last but definitely not least, Facebook allows you as a business owner to create a fan page where visitors can register and become a fan. As you continually update your page, these updates are reciprocated out to your fan's pages and they are continually updated on every facet of your business or website. With the ability to share photos, videos and unique content, Facebook is a unique and very effective tool for your social media advertising campaign.
What is Social Media - The Summary
In summary, by using social media networks you can promote your brand while keeping the consistency across the social media marketplace. There's no better way to promote your business or website outside of the popular social networks.