Monday, December 19, 2011

Social Media Marketing: Protecting Your Image, Your Brand

It is difficult not to notice the posts or comments on the many digital platforms that are out there nowadays from those trying to push or preserve their brand identity. Whether it is through Facebook, Twitter, forums or text messages, users of social media do not realize the effects that their words can have on their audience.

While a short and personable comment by a well known and charming designer can have a very positive ROC (Return on Conversation), comments by others may not. Instead comments can backfire. Let's face it, we are not all as charming as Christopher Bailey of Burberry or as interesting as Gianna Frida of Gucci.

So how then can we build our brand or our image through social media? Here, it all depends on what you truly believe makes your brand, product or service better.  What is it about your product or service that you believe is superior to the competition? Maybe it is the after sale service you provide or maybe it is the attention to every detail and showing the client that he / she is important. Perhaps the quality is based on your gentle approach and not your aggressive behavior to get the sale. Maybe your company and staff are avid supporters of a charity that you feel strongly about.

Not many people realize that in social media marketing, "how you are read" is even more important than "what is read."  Poor grammar, aggressive remarks will not do anything to help build your brand. There is nothing worse than reading something that obviously was neither edited nor proofread before publishing. Conversations between you and others regarding appointments, etc are boring and do not help in building your brand. Unless you are a famous designer setting up an appointment for a catwalk, stay away from publicly posting these types of comments.

If you have nothing interesting to say, than don't post anything. Put yourself in your audience's shoes and what would be interesting for them to read. Is there an item on sale today? Is there a new, cool product you are working on? Did you read an article on something that could spark a discussion about a complimentary product or service? Can your audience benefit from your comment or post?

Social media marketing, if used properly, can offer enormous benefits for your brand that will ultimately lead to sales. Good luck.

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