As we head into the unofficial kick off of summer, Memorial Day weekend, consumers will become more active as the weather warms up. It’s the natural order of the world. Nicer weather conditions mean more get-togethers with friends, cookouts, trips to the beach and amusement parks, music festivals, county fairs, road trips and much more. So how are you going to take advantage of this opportunity? How will your brand take part in these moments with your consumers?
Social media is not just a way to keep in touch with friends anymore. It’s become a platform for conversations to be held and moments to be shared. Technology is readily available at our fingertips, making consumers more prone to share their adventures with the world. The perfect opportunity for user-generated content. Thanks to Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr, Vine, Pinterest, Snapchat and Periscope, there are endless opportunities for your brand to be seen in an organic way that isn’t on a billboard, in a magazine or on television.
One of the greatest benefits of social media is that user-generated content can be integrated into your marketing plan. It’s up to you whether you choose to engage, praise or even take in feedback to improve elements for a better brand experience. Make sure to take advantage of this treasure trove of content that can help bridge the gap between consumer and brand.
As much as marketing is a way to tell your audience how to feel about your product or service, listening also plays a big part in the game. Social media is a great way to understand the ever-evolving minds of consumers. By checking in on the conversation surrounding your brand, you could discover trends you might not have known existed for your company.
Be social this summer. Integrate hashtags in an unobtrusive manner, develop social media contests to reward your target audience, interact with your loyal fans and find influencers that can help your brand go viral. Don’t set up your social media accounts only to neglect their usefulness. Make time to fully embrace them because they are a resource that can open untapped potential and bring additional and repeat business to your brand.
-Tyler
