Everyone connected to the web has managed to build and maintain an online social network. With so many ways to connect, most people have all or most of their family and friends on one or more sites. Social networking is the most popular online activity. It has even beat search engine usage. Sites like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Digg provide a means for people to connect and share. With more and more people joining these websites, the online social media business is flourishing. With so many different sites being offered and people from across the world are able to share their daily life through them.

The popularity of these sites has led to social marketing. More and more people are trying to get out their adverts on these websites. Even if they don’t advertise there directly, they indirectly find ways to link these sites to them. For instance, they may have a blog that holds information on statistics or guides on making proper use of them. Blogs and websites have social media icons on them that users find very appealing to connect to. In some cases, these icons have options to “share” the information with friends on a particular website. Others indicate different places where they can be found. Thus, if a visitor belongs of the social networking site himself, he will probably find the icon impressive.

The best part about social media marketing is that it is totally free. All you need is internet access to get started. You can sign up for no charges at all and start reaching people from around the globe. This has also helped bridge the gap between companies and their customers. For instance, a company can have a Facebook page to interact with its consumers totally free of cost. Through such a page, the company can get feedback and introduce new products. The thing about social media sites is that information travels fast with so many people being online.

The social media network, being so widespread, acts as a good platform to help create awareness. Whatever your motive may be, you can always use social media sites to inform more people. These sites can also be used to raise charities. There are even websites targeted for kids that provide a safe online environment for them to play and interact with other kids. Some people think that being on social media sites is time consuming and useless. However, the truth is that it has become the most productive online activity. In fact, social media websites are time saving since they bring together people from all over the world. You can interact with them much easily online.

Traditionally, the content and frequency of marketing programs was the exclusive domain of external agencies such as advertising and marketing research firms. However, with the advent of social media, it has become possible to use web-based technology to encourage interactive communication. This is often referred to as consumer generated media, because it is driven by end-users. Social media marketing is therefore, the method by which businesses utilize social online media channels, to connect with their target markets.

Social media marketing also involves social media optimization or SMO. It is referred to in this way, because its emphasis is on achieving website optimization, which is the process of improving a site’s visibility on the web. Social media includes social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, MySpace, blogs, video sharing such as YouTube, social bookmarking sites like Digg, Reddit, presentation sharing, photo sharing and the ever popular Meetup website. It is also synonymous with Social Network Marketing. This involves the use of social networking sites to market products and services, as well as to engage in public relation activities.

By using a technique known as viral marketing, marketers are able to use these websites to improve product sales, and increase brand awareness. This marketing method is referred to as being viral because in essence, it is passed from person to person, via the social network sites. Text messages, images, video clips, and games, are just some of the tools used in viral marketing promotions. The success of a viral marketing program is dependent on targeting and focusing on people with large social networks, who have a significant influence on their network. This will ensure that the advertising message gains optimum visibility.

Social media marketing is increasingly being seen by business owners, as an important part of their integrated marketing program, which can assist them in growing their business. Studies indicate that business owners, who commit a minimum of 6 hours per week on social marketing programs, have been able to generate at least 50% more exposure for their business. Along with this, they have been able to attract more traffic to their website, gain qualified leads, and create new business partnerships.

To get started with social media marketing, you will of course have to join one of the top social media sites. In an April 2010 Social Media Marketing Report by Michael Stelzner, experienced marketers identified Twitter as their number one social networking platform, with blogs following closely in second place. For beginner marketers, Facebook is ranked as their number one choice closely followed by Twitter and LinkedIn.

One important way in which you can maximize the benefit of using a social networking site, is to build relationships. If you are using Twitter, for example, you can start seeking out the top tweeters in your niche and even in your local area. Having identified these people, you can then begin participating in discussions, and become involved in the promotion of important events and products. Also make sure to respond to tweets, and encourage retweeting as much as possible.

Other benefits to be derived from social marketing effectively include getting marketing feedback, as well as linking with key players in the industry. These links will of course be cross-cultural, as well as international and will therefore extend your market penetration.

Social network marketing is very consumer focused. Through the use of social media, it is possible to put the spotlight on what people need, rather than on persuading them to buy something that you have already produced. The feedback you get is able to guide your product development, and focus your marketing efforts on what is important to your bottom line.