E-marketing adventures!

The belief that surrounds social media is that it is a tool that enables companies to reach out to their target markets in a more specific and valuable manner. However as marketers have we given enough thought towards the  true value of social media as a method of advertising?

A recent poll by YouGov investigated how effective social media is in the minds of consumers. The results of the research were very intriguing. They contrast to the general belief that Social media is of high value to companies and businesses. For example the report reveals that a staggering “44% of the UK population claim they wouldn’t be more likely to buy a brand even if their friends promoted it on social media.”

More importantly one statistic revealed that 47% of online consumers claim they object to seeing ads from brands on social platforms based on their profile activities. This would suggest that rather than build loyalties towards a brand, the use of social media is causing consumers to feel fed up with brands that are being constantly displayed on their facebook and twitter pages.

It is obvious that one report will not change the strongly held belief; that social media is a modern advertising tool of high value to businesses. However when companies are looking to invest increasing amounts of capital into social media campaigns surely further research is required to truly understand how beneficial the use of Social media is for a company?

*** The article “Social media “less useful” than thought.” is available at http://www.marketingweek.co.uk/news/social-media-less-useful-than-thought/4000177.article ***