In an age where technology drives creativity, innovation, and success, businesses scramble to gain every tool and advancement under their belt. It is no new concept that social media is an invaluable tool for marketing, branding, and advertising, but has it recently stepped up its game? Recently, Instagram has not only stepped up its game, it has changed the game.
Why is social engagement important to businesses? “Engagement is the level of involvement, interaction, intimacy and influence an individual has with a brand over time” (Forrester). It is the “social” in social media.
What is a brand? According to Forbes Magazine, a “brand” is what your prospect thinks of when he or she hears your “brand name.” It’s everything the public thinks it knows about your name brand offering—both factual (e.g. It comes in a robin’s-egg-blue box), and emotional (e.g. It’s romantic). Your “brand name” exists objectively; people can see it. It’s fixed. But your “brand” exists only in someone’s mind. It is easy to confuse your “brand name” and your “brand.” To simplify the concept, think if your “brand” as a perceived impression or feeling that supports your “brand name”.
To help explain how a brand can grow your business, we’ve compiled 6 examples of companies that are doing it all right. Learn from some of the top companies using Social Media to build their brands. Take notes and try to apply examples to your own business as you read through. Who knows, you may even learn something new!
Social Media has become the platform for businesses to relate to, target, and interact with their customers. With over two thirds of internet users in the U.S. regularly using a social network, now is a prime time to not only be utilizing Social Media but maintaining your presence and directing traffic to your social media pages.
