Social Networks Are Our Reality Shows

Before the explosion of social networking many people turned to reality shows to get their entertainment. They were obsessed over the persona’s of certain characters and how the dramatic staged events would eventually play out.

A funny thing happened with the rise of social media. Instead of looking to Hollywood for entertainment we found that learning about each other and catching a glimpse into the lives of our friends was far more interesting.

According to our friends at MediaSauce (and Nielsen):

“Facebook is up 700% in time spent and has over 200 million users – over 100 million unique visitors last month. Linkedin is up 69% in time spent and has over 41 million users – over 12 million unique visitors last month. And finally, Twitter, the marketing buzz word for the first six months of this year, is up a whooping 3700% increase in time spent and has over 32 million users – over 19 million unique visitors last month.  This is all from Nielsen, if you think I’m making it up.

But what’s even bigger is the fact that more people are using the internet to communicate than entertain themselves.  In fact, according to Netpop, communication online has increased 18% to 27% of total time while entertainment has decreased 30% to 19% of total time online.”

We are very social beings. We love connecting with others and feeling a part of something bigger than ourselves.

We also value the opinions and advice given to us by our friends and family.  For example if you are looking for an electrician you are far more likely to call up the contact your friend recommended to you rather than calling the number you saw in an ad in the telephone book.

This is where the power exists for your business. Word of mouth marketing has long been known as one of the most effective ways to increase your business.  Social media is an online word of mouth marketing vehicle of choice that increases website traffic and results.

To be successful at social media marketing you don’t need to be an expert. No one really is. You can improve web marketing roi by embracing a few key concepts:

  • Leave the used-car salesmen approach at the door
  • Seek to build genuine, mutually beneficial relationships
  • Expect to put in the time and effort it will take to network with others
  • Play by the rules
  • Listen first

I’m interest to know what social sites do you spend the most time on? How much time do you spend each week? Does your time on social sites dwarf your TV viewing time?

Leave your comments below.

back