Common Craft has created a video that tries to explain social media in every day terms.
I think, more than anything, social media is a conversation. It’s not just a way of marketing or promotion, it’s not just a time waster, it’s not just a way to keep in touch with friends. It’s all of those things.
That’s why social media is so powerful. It’s a new way of communicating, not just a way to spread your message. If you went out with a friend and spent the entire time talking about yourself, people wouldn’t want to spend time with you. If you started calling people on the phone and rambling on-and-on about your latest business venture, people would hang up on you.
It’s the same with social media. You can’t just open a Facebook or Twitter account and assume people will start flocking to your product. You need to communicate with your followers and listen to their needs. Social media is great for marketers, but not just because it can be used to spread messages. It is so valuable because it is the best way to actually converse with your customers.
Blog comments and Tweets and discussion board topics can easily and quickly be addressed and customers will love the fast, polite interaction they get. The above video shows that point quite well. By listening to customers, and discussing your product or service with them, you can improve what you’re selling and tailor it directly to the client base you are looking for.
That is what makes social media so great.