The Rise of Social Media

It is an accepted by the world of business that social media plays a vital role in digital marketing, allowing spirits brands to reach millions of consumers worldwide.The tremendous use of social media is demonstrated brilliantly in this data from Statista, which gives a projection for 2019 social media users to reach approximately 2.77 billion people. That’s right… 2.77 billion! That’s 36% of the estimated current worldwide population of 7.7 billion (shown in this equally brilliant Current World Population clock ). According to research from Betipy, the 2.77 billion social media users in 2019 have risen from the recorded 0.97 billion users in 2010, giving a whopping increase of 1.8 billion over this 9-year period. The scale of this is simply unimaginable, and it’s set to continue, with 2021 figures expected to increase by a further quarter of a billion users to reach 3.02 billion.

This isn’t a unique case, and this process of evolution has driven the social media landscape from a selection of early, cumbersome sites, all the way through to the wealth of brilliant platforms available today. We went from Piczo and Bebo to Facebook and Twitter in a matter of years. Many past social media successes have been destroyed by their upcoming new rivals, such as the overthrow of Myspace by Facebook. It’s interesting to read old articles that discuss this takeover as it was happening, such as this Forbes article from January 2011. The article explores how and why Facebook flourished while Myspace deteriorated, eventually leading to Myspace being forced to lay off half their workforce in the same week as the article. 

As the old giants fell, the new behemoths rose. According to another informative bar chart from Statista, the top five most popular social network platforms worldwide, in terms of their number of active users, are:

1. Facebook: 2,320 Million
2. YouTube: 1,900 Million
3. WhatsApp: 1,600 Million
4. Facebook Messenger: 1,300 Million
5. WeChat: 1,098 Million

Interestingly, some sites that may be widely considered larger, such as Twitter and Snapchat, fall further down the list, at #12 (330M) and #17 (287M), respectively.

The Complete Social Media Cheat Sheet 2017 [Infographic]

Facebook, Twitter, Google Plus and Pinterest all have the opportunity for you to attract people to your brand and content, by adding compelling visuals and images. There are some really creative ways you can express yourself (even though the platforms change often), so if you have access to a camera or photographer or really awesome graphic designer & artist, I recommend having at least one stunning visual that expresses your brand, on every page.

Needless to say, the social media landscape is constantly changing, and it can be difficult to stay on top of all the changes happening at lightning fast speed. Luckily, there are resources, tools, blogs, and infographics like the one below that help marketers cut through the noise and stay up to date on these trends.

Source: OnBlastBlog

How To Use Social Media For Lead Generation [Infographic]

Social Media has become essential tools for everything and everything we perform digitally. Social media create deep, fast and prompt effect on users as social media has become lifestyle element.

Following is the infographic made by Wishpond indicates that the social medai is like a leathal weapon in the battle of most suitable performance based marcom media tools war.

Source : Godizital

The Types Of Social Interactions [Infographic]

Social media has changed the way people communicates and think before taking any decision whether it is on education, online shopping, hospitals or buying properties. It has positive and negative effects on a business.

People believe more on online reviews to assess local business. Here are the do's and don'ts for social interactions.

Source : Ohio University Online MBA

How Video Marketing Works [Infographic]

All of this data has a general thrust: video marketing is a strategy that is growing more potent with time, as Internet content becomes increasingly video-based, and case studies show that it is effective for businesses ranging wildly in size, market, and product type.

Here are 3 Video Marketing Tips:

1. Plan - Video should be part of your overall marketing plan, an engagement tactic that supports your goals. Producing great video is not enough – you have to USE it! Identify your goals – whether they are raising awareness or driving business – and establish your success metrics.

2. Produce - Who’s your target market and what’s your budget? Once you’ve answered those questions, find a video production company who can bring your vision to life. Think about highlighting satisfied customers or your unique services.

3. Promote - Put your social hat on and start sharing! Where do your customers hang out? Find them and spread the word. Think Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Google+, YouTube etc.

However, while YouTube is still a starting point for many marketers, Facebook is gaining ground quickly, and a robust marketing strategy integrates both. Our research shows that:

• By 2018, 90% of content shared by Facebook users will be video
• At present, 59% of video shares occur on Facebook
• 90% of online marketers use both Facebook and YouTube for video marketing

Along with the 3 video marketing tips, here are the 127 facts and figures in the infographic below to help you make informed decisions for an effective video marketing strategy. Feel free to save, and share with experts and novices alike!

Source: onlinemarketinginstitute

Top Social Media Trends in 2017 [Infographic]

Social media has become the perfect environment for people to communicate with brands and companies, and ask questions in a convenient way. In today’s world, any digital marketing campaign must include running social media accounts. If you believe that people only use social media for private communication, then we have some bad news for you.

Industry leaders list Facebook and Instagram as the most popular social media platforms for brands, so here’s a list of current trends for each of these platforms and what they can do for you. Let's see in the following infographic about the trends in 2017.

Source: CJGDigitalMarketing

The Art Of Deceptive Advertising [Infographic]

If you have seen on TV such ads like liquid chocolate flowing over cookies and this make you mouthwatering then hang on there. These are some of the common techniques used by advertising guys to make products more visually tempting in advertisements. There are some other tricks like using spray to make fruits and vegetables appear fresh also by replacing actual ice cream with mashed potato for a more solid appearance. 

Below is an inforgraphic which shows the disparity between ads and actual products. So don't be moved with the ads quickly because all the products shown in advertisement doesn't look same in real.

McDonald commented on how they take photos of their products and why they differ from the actual food sold in their restaurants.

Source : FinancesOnline.com

Social Media Trends & Facts 2017 [Infographic]

Are you interested to know about social media facts, figures, its users and statistics in the year 2017 till date? Do you know the fact that more than 25% of marketers are investing in blogging and social media. To know more, here is an infographic prepared by Digital Insights that covers all latest Social Media facts, figures, numbers and statistics of 2017.

If you want a more in depth look at some of these trends, take a look at the infographic below produced by SocialSprout and get your company ready for the social media transition of 2017.

Source: sproutsocial

Social Media Marketing Trends For B2B Companies [Infographic]

Social Media Websites are meant for communication and it may be personal, professional, business related. These sites help in engaging customer communication, more brand exposure and draw traffic to the websites or blogs. Several social media platforms provide an opportunity to offer quick resolution to issues. Because the customer base is typically smaller in a B2B model this can be a manageable task.

There are trends and shifts that are looming the social media marketing sphere that B2B marketers should watch out in 2017 to remain competitive in the marketplace. In this infographic, Digital Marketing Philippines will present to you the top trends that will shape the world of social media marketing landscape for B2B organizations in 2017.

Source: Digital Marketing Philippines

One-Tap, Video and App Promoted Pins For Pinterest

Pinterest has recently announced three innovative ways to advertise product or services on its platform: One-Tap, Video Pins and app Promoted Pins. Please find below the new pin line-up options.

1. One-Tap Pins

With the option for one-tap Pin in your feed, you will be taken directly to the site it came from. 

Pinterest blog reveals that “We’ve only just started showing these Pins on Pinterest, but people already seem to be loving how much easier it is to get right to the products they’re looking for almost twice as many Pinners are finding items to buy through these new Pins.”

2. Video Pins

Video Pins will be available for viewing right on Pinterest. So you don't have to click a link to take you to another site to watch the video. There is also a selection of ideas related to the video to give you more product and information options.

3. App Pins

Lastly, with the option Promoted app Pins that “make it easier for you to find out about the apps and app-makers you want to hear about most.” The pins are directly linked to the store so you can download the app for immediate use.

As of now, Promoted Pins have only been available to U.S. businesses and it has recently launched for businesses in the U.K. as well. Pinterest said they are coming to “even more parts of the world very soon.”

Pinterest Launches Promoted Pins For Advertisers

Its been quite few months the promoted pins program was launched in beta with selected brands giving the medium a trial run. Now, as of January 1, any businesses wishing to advertise on Pinterest can opt for it. All the promoted pins look like regular pins but designated with a special ‘promoted pins’ tag.

Pinterest ad chief Joanne Bradford wrote in a blog post that the site’s tests have revealed that promoted pins work as well or better than organic pins. She added, "Brand advertisers achieved about a 30 percent bump in earned media (free impressions!) from their campaigns. That’s from people who saw a Promoted Pin and thought it was good enough to save to one of their own boards. Engagement is strong— the average Pin is repinned 11 times, and that remains true for Promoted Pins (if not higher).”

Pinterest will also launch Pinstitute which is a new program for businesses to learn how to connect with pinners. She explained, "The Pinstitute will focus on two tracks: creative and measurement. You’ll learn what kind of pins perform well, what pinners care about and how we’re thinking about our products in the future. We’ll also get your feedback on what you’d like to see us do so we can help you get even better results from Pinterest.”

Pinterest plans to invite a “select group of brands and agencies” and the first Pinstitute has been set for March. Webinars will go on air once the Pinstitute agendas are all set.

12 Things We Learned In 2013 [Infographic]

Rocketfuel's marketing research team explored all aspects of consumer behavior about when, where, and how advertisers should focus their initiatives.

The findings offer a candid look into the habits of the average consumer across all channels and industry verticals. To close out the year, they compiled the 12 most important findings from their popular list of research, whitepapers, and infographics.

Source : Rocketfuel.com

How Social Video Advertising Is Growing [infographic]

Marketers’ use of video advertising is growing exponentially, as is their use of social marketing. Video and social are colliding to create immense opportunity for advertisers. Rapid change, though, results in questions, even confusion. Here is a nice infographic explaining Social Video Advertising.

Source : Mixpo

How To Improve Your Social Mobile Marketing Using Mobile Apps

Make use of the power of mobile apps that are already installed on many people’s smart phones which allows you to connect with people. Here are some people-engaging mobile apps and learn how to leverage your mobile presence to generate both brand awareness and increase new customers.

Here are some most using apps which are helpful in engaging your target audience for your business, product and services.

1. Using Facebook :

Facebook is the number-one mobile social network. 

Here are some tips you can do to stand out from the crowd and make the most of this popular app:

• Create valuable page content and share on Facebook.
• Get engaged in Q&A sessions also use paid posts in case its required.
• Maintain the right time and post according to when your fans are active
• Use native ads. Native ads are being rolled out for Facebook Mobile.

2. Using Twitter :

Millions of tweets are shared over twitter platform everyday. Sixty percent of Twitter users are on mobile. 

Here are some tips which are helpful in engaging people and fans.

• Give  space for retweets so that you have to leave room for your audience to add in their comments.
• Keep your content brief and understandable.
• Use hashtags when appropriate and using 1-3 hashtags that are relevant to your message and your brand.
• Make use of the Twitter in case of big events when promoting and always post during the event.

3. Using Instagram :

Instagram has earner a huge positive feedback and people are more keen on using the app while sharing images. Now you can make use of the video features also.

Here are some tips for implementing Instagram usage.

• Ensure that your photo content is of the highest quality possible.
• Use hashtags appropriately and it will improve promoting the images.
• Make sure the videos sharing would be professional and also embeded with audio.
• Publish your posts to other platforms like Facebook and Twitter.

4. Using Foursquare : 

Foursquare always help you to share the information that where you are, what you’re doing and how often this happens by “checking in” on your mobile device. 

Follow these tips to leverage Foursquare for your brand and services :

• Make sure people know how to check in at your location.
• Create a check-in point for events, which can be a great way to show off customer attendance.
• Always monitor your reviews and recommendations that your customers leave for you. Keep a normal practice in replying via tweet, message or contact your customers in some other casual way to thank them for visiting.
• Make sure that your brand is positively represented on Foursquare so that it can create the awareness among audience.

5. Using Groupon and LivingSocial :

Coupon and voucher services are making sensations over the years. Groupon and Living Social are helpful in promoting coupons on past food and household items to incorporate services and luxuries. Here are some tips :

• Always take advantage of sharing discounts and offer a bonus product or service in the event that someone refers business to you via these sites.
• Always include as much information as possible and also optimize your deal for in-site searches.

6. Using Localmind :

Most of the people are interested to think locally, from shopping to business services. Localmind offers the opportunity for customers to review and recommend their favorite businesses based on location. 

Here are some tips to make use of the Localmind service :

• Always promote community involvement and share the experience with Localmind users.
• Keep highlighting existing partnerships and make sure those relationships emphasize on local partnerships and growing the local economy.
• Make use of the opportunity in displaying community-centered aspects of your brand.

There are various other mobile apps also, which would be helpful in leveraging mobile and social interaction together. The above mentioned apps are mostly used to practice social mobile marketing. 

Share your comments and experience once you follow the above tips and suggestions. You can also include some other valuable app information too if you find it interesting.

Social Media Professionals In Business [Infographic]

Initially Social Media used to be considered as having fun among connected friends and families. There was less involvement about business and brand promotion in it. With time Social Media has evolved a lot and now people are getting paid for it even social network sites are getting paid for business promotions too. 

While recruiting in any firm, Social Media plays a vital role in understanding the candidate socially and professionally a little bit. Here is a nice infographic showing LinkedIn involvement and roles on job market and how the skills on Social Media help people in getting various roles.

Source : offerpop

How Does Social Media Platform 'Pinterest' Helps Your Business [Infographic]

Pinterest has already made its presence in top five social media networking websites and day by day its increasing. In every minutes, there are a lot of pins which put to boards on Pinterest.

This social media can also be an attractive proposition for small businesses who want to get the word out about their products. How do you know if Pinterest is right for your business? Take the test below to find out! Here is a nice infographic which explains the Pinterest and its usage in business.

Source: intuit

How To Promote Your Business On Facebook [Infographic]

Having Facebook page is a must-have requirement for business. There are different ways how to help people find your business on Facebook. It is difficult even more since Facebook is constantly adding new features.

The below infographic - "Achieving Success With The New Facebook" includes Facebook’s latest features so you can follow your options for Facebook marketing. It’s kind of like a checklist to help you choose the right Facebook promotion for your brand.

Source : Vocus

How To Get Success To Social Media Sales?

Online advertising is an immediate sale and requires less time whereas Social Media Marketing requires dedicated hours and the healthy relationships with connected networks. Social Media Marketing prospect could be considered as a lengthy process from individual contact to lead t o sales. Here are some steps :

1. Building Up Targets  Audience : 

Search for your potential target audience and build a list so that you can group them into categories such as locations, age, interests. Once you build the list, approach with relevant services to your audience.

2. Sharing Articles :

Never share only the sales oriented content over social media else people may tag  you as a "only sales-man". Always share some articles from external source engaging the, reading interesting, relevant and valued article along with your own articles.

3. Following Audience :

If your products and services are relevant to people's needs and interests then they will start following you or your company. Follow them back to keep them tuned onto your company page.

4. Ask Questions :

If your product or services are relevant and are helpful to your audience then you can convert the sale by providing solution to their demands. Always keep asking questions about their problem and find solution for them. This help in knowing customer's need better.

5. Communicating Socially :

Social Media is a platform where you and your customer can be engaged and be social. You have to have approachable, friendly and social attitude so that people can easily communicate with you with their requirement. 

6. Product & Services :

Once customer has a rough idea about your product and services and you are able to make a goof rapport with the connected people, start promoting your business precisely. People will be keen to know your products and services and how your company will fulfil their needs.

7. Signpost

While people are on Social Media platform, try to get their attention on your main company website. On your website you’re in more control and can start to signpost your customer for your sales by offering your product and services. Make sure the media channel - phone, email or chat by discussing with customer like how they want the service according to their preferences.

8. Detailed Offer With Customer Inquiry :

Once you make an offer, customer will have some questions like : How much does it cost? How relevant is the product for their needs? How much time will it take? After you convince customer with the relevant answers, then only customer will think of buying a product or services from you. So make your explanations and presentation ready for customers.

9. Keep Customer Informed :

Keep customer informed about any update related to your product or service and always answer to customer's query. Many people fail just because they don't follow up with their customers. Let customer know how they will get benefited according to their needs rather than explaining technical and excellent features.

10. Converting To Sale :

Once you have done with all the above steps, make sure to offer customer in a 1 by 1 approach way. Offer something today and follow up for the feedback and then go for the next.  Likewise you can convert to sale.

Hope the above points are useful in determining sale over Social Media. Do you think any other approach which can be useful other than these 10 steps?

Top 20 Infographics On Social Media [Infographic]

All of you know and heard about infographics which are basically visual representations of information, data, or knowledge. They depict information in text form or a visual form which makes information easy to understand and follow. In one word, infographics turn data into information. It has been always helpful to use infographics in presentations, reports, articles. An infographic can immediately explain what the data actually means and what is the data all about.

Here are 20 social media infographics :

1. The Social Engagement Spectrum

2. 10 Levels of Intimacy in Today’s Communication

3. The Social Media Effect

4. Social Marketing Compass

                               

5. Facebook vs. Twitter

6. Balance Your Media Diet

7. Social Media Statistics

8. Social Web Involvement

The Spectrum of Online Friendship

10. How People Share Content on the Web

11. Donut Marketing

12. Twitter Territory

13. Twitter PR Strategy

14. The Journey of a Tweet

15. The Hierarchy of Digital Distractions

16. When Social Media Attacks

17. The Art of Listening

18. The Conversation Prism

19. Word of Mouth Visualized

20. Social Web Reputation Management Cycles

Credit : To all the publishers of each infographics - DavidArmo.com, SocialReflexion.com, JESS3.com, GlobalWebIndex.com, Mike Arauz, AddToAny, Elliance.com, Hubspot.com, Digital Influence, InformationIsBeautiful.net, TheConversationPrism.com, Laurelpapworth.com.