Social Media Trends for 2012

The power of social media is here to stay. This cannot be overstated. In fact, it continues to grow at a rapid pace and companies must get on board the social media train to survive and thrive in the coming years. You can learn to harness this new medium and use it to your company’s advantage. Building a brand, advertising sales and specials, and creating a company image are all ways to use social media to your advantage.

There is not one department in your organization that cannot benefit from social media. Whether it is human resources and you are looking for the perfect applicant; an advertising department looking to broadcast the release date of your new product; or your publicity department looking to share how your company is donating money to a worthy cause. Whatever you are looking to share can be released via social media.

Where Social Media is Headed

The real goal is to look to the trends to see where we are headed with social media and how we can accurately use this to benefit our firm. Here are some insights from a Huffington Post article into the potential future of social media:

• Customer Service: Social media will continue to be on the front-line of customer service for 2012. We can quickly and effectively connect with our customers to receive praise on a well-received product, criticism on a faulty product, or just general dialogue. Whatever the case, social media facilitates better communications with our customers.    
• Approval Ratings: Social media sites are the benchmark for rating companies. Consumers can quickly scan social media sites to discover product reviews, customer resolution quotes, and customer feedback, good and bad.
• Videos: YouTube traffic and videos will increase a company’s presence and provide a platform for new product launch and information.
• B2B Sector: Social media will play an increasingly important role amongst businesses as each become aware of the benefits of online marketing.   
• Location Mapping: Mobile devices continue to increase the ability of a business to identify and locate potential customers at a moment's notice. This could literally mean a business could track a consumer’s location and drop sales advertising based on their immediate position. 
• Place of Business: The growing emergence of social media sites has opened the door for companies to sell their products on Facebook and other sites.
• Endless Opportunities: The cost to advertise on a social media is free. Your only charge for advertising is the labor associated with posting blogs and other relevant information. The substantial fees associated with television and radio commercials will drive additional businesses to social media sites where they can freely engage and advertise to their customers.  

What Do You See?

Please share your thoughts below on where you see the future of social media going for your business, industry, or the global environment. We’d love to hear from you!

Atlanta among the Top-Ranked Twitter Users in the Nation

Here, in Atlanta, we are known for our lush magnolia trees, our warm southern hospitality, and our beautiful skyline, but we are becoming increasingly known as a top-ranked city for Twitter usage. Now, it might have something to do with our savvy business sense, or just maybe, because we are southerners and we love to talk, but we have combined these two passions and become a leader in our nation’s use of Twitter.

According to influential Twitter.grader.com, Atlanta is ranked #5 in the world in active Twitter usage. Impressive. Clearly, we know and understand the advantages and influence of social media and we strive daily to develop our contacts and increase our market share.

Top Tweeters

But, Atlanta is not the only city jumping on the social media bandwagon to capitalize on the power of Twitter. The April 2011 issue of Men’s Health magazine lists Washington, D.C. as the nation’s top Twitter capital. This was based on a survey of the 100 best and worst town for Twittering.  

It is no surprise the people of our nation’s capital lead the charge in Twitter usage. The influence and sway of social media cannot be denied. Subtle texts that convey emotion, sentiment, and personal opinion can influence and increase a person’s or businesses profile or brand.

Social networking and social media brings the message to the masses and Twitter has become an increasingly popular way to reach a set of followers. They can be established clients, interested persons who have been introduced to your company through other social media outlets, or it can be a person just interested in what you have to promote. Either way, you can flex some serious muscle with the power of Twitter.

Twitter Power

Throughout the world, Twitter increases its dominance of social media. Businesses are increasingly connecting with their customers via Twitter and establishing contacts with customers to increase their market share.

In a recent online article, it discussed the evolution of Twitter and researched who was using Twitter. They reviewed a study by The Pew Research Centre and concluded there was a significant increase in Twitter traffic amongst African-Americans and Latino users. The report stated Latinos and African-Americans were twice as likely as their white counterpart to use Twitter. The report concluded urban residents as well were more likely to follow Twitter as were people living in rural areas.    

These are interesting findings and as more research is conducted into social media usage, we will continue to see how social media is working its way into our culture. As each city embraces Twitter, the United States will continue to dominate Twitter usage as companies look to increasing their market share with social media. 

And, with Atlanta being one of the foremost cities in the United States, we can be assured of a high ranking in any poll conducted. So, we will Tweet you there!

If you need help establishing a Twitter strategy or want to expand your social media marketing and Internet marketing capabilities, be sure to leave your interest or question below, and we’ll be happy to contact you on how Flyline Search Marketing can increase your presence.

Mover Marketing 101: Online Social Media Strategies to Generate Business

Moving companies can generate income and increase their market share with a successful marketing campaign targeted at moving consumers. Name recognition and reputation carry significant weight. When people are ready to secure and hire a moving company, they are more likely to go with a moving truck rental company that has name and brand recognition.

Put yourself and your moving company’s name on the lips of consumers with a savvy marketing campaign that informs, engages, and educates. Continually engaging your customer with informative mailers and a social media campaign will pay off in the long run.

Increasing your Marketing Share through Social Media  

Creating profiles on social media sites, such as Facebook, MySpace, LinkedIn, Twitter and more, can dramatically alter your market share. Connecting with customers via social media gives you an instant rapport and delivers your marketing message to their front room.

Tweets on Twitter and frequent updates on Facebook about moving truck rental specials for the weekend and deep discounts on boxes for moving keeps your customers continually updated on specials, and keeps your company name on their mind. And, this is good thing. When they are ready to move, your name will be one of the first they think of.   

You’ve Got Mail: Informative Emails

It is more important then ever to keep up with your customers. Strong competition from competitors can squeeze your market share and make it difficult to compete. Company loyalty is not easy to come by and businesses must look for ways to engage their customer. A successful email campaign is one strategy a moving company can employ to inform their customers of deals and specials and engage them in a regular manner.

Compiling a customer email mailing list is as simple. Be sure your rental agreement has a space for their email address. Update your database frequently to include new customers. Send them updates on upcoming deals, but you can also include helpful tips a customer will appreciate.

Innovative ways to pack fragile items, new moving box accessories to protect paintings, clothing, and other items will all be welcomed advice.

 Straight to the Post Office  

Never forget your local Postal Service for an affordable and tried and true method to advertising. The United States Post Office, which offers a change of address service, has bulk rate mailers that will be delivered to a designated group of addresses. 

You can target certain neighborhoods and your surrounding community. Direct mailers give you the opportunity for brand promotion, name recognition, and a great way to advertise specials.

Bringing it all Together

Increasing your moving company’s presence through successful social media networking, an innovate email campaign, or a savvy direct marketing flyer which target your audience will enhance your company’s position and, more importantly, boost your bottom line.