SMM | Social Media Marketing

Social media marketing or SMM is an integrated marketing communications process designed to gain web site traffic or attention and connect with target markets. A unique blend of marketing, advertising and public relations on the Web, social media marketing activities typically consist of SMO or social media optimization and SEO directed specifically at social media search engines, smaller and more vertical market oriented search tools.

Social media opportunities like Twitter for sharing short messages or updates related to your web site, brand, etc., or Facebook, a full-blown social networking site that allows sharing information, updates, photos and various other activities, offer powerful ways to communicate and interact.

The advent of Web 2.0, provides Internet users a set of tools that allow people to build social and business connections, share information and collaborate on projects on-line in a new way. The nearly overnight success and phenomenal growth of social media has impacted the way organizations communicate.

Social media marketing programs typically involve efforts to create and maintain unique content that attracts attention and encourages Internet users to share information with others in their social networks. Corporate messages spread from user to user with the dialog coming from trusted, third-party sources, as opposed to the brand or company itself. Such personal referrals have historic roots in viral marketing word-of-mouth endorsements and are the cornerstone of successful social media marketing campaigns. Important components of this activity include ongoing monitoring for brand and reputation management.

Social media serves as a relatively inexpensive platform for organizations to implement marketing campaigns. Additionally, social media is a platform that is easily integrated into Internet marketing efforts and can be used to increase communications for organizations, foster brand awareness and improve customer service.