Solutions ~ Why Is Social Media Monitoring Important?

In social media, the goal is to be proactive, and not reactive. By having a finger on the pulse, one will always be aware of what is being said about one's product, brand and company. With this information, problems can be averted and prevented from becoming a full-blown crisis.

Why Pay Attention?

The social landscape has undergone a huge transformation. People are no longer limited by what is reported in the news or other traditional channels. From updating their LinkedIn profile to getting real-time updates on Twitter, practically everyone and anyone is engaged in some form of social media interaction. Armed with these tools, the average man has become king – a king in the fiefdoms of content, connectivity and communication.

Get Connected

Thanks to this medium: people now enjoy sharing photos and videos, pointing out their likes and dislikes, and discussing their ideas and passions on a global stage. You can do just about anything - from reuniting with long-lost friends, starting your own business, declaring a boycott, creating a petition, standing up for a cause, to even purchasing the very broom Harry Potter used in the movie.

The possibilities of this new medium are endless!

It's a Power Game

The rules of the game have changed. Once passive, consumers now have a voice: a means to express their likes and dislikes to a global audience outside of a brand's control.

This freedom of expression means comments shared are unbiased and therefore honest.

These very same consumers are now creating content at breakneck speed. Web analytics, daily deals coupon sites, and video-on-demand sites are but a few of the businesses that have sprung up. Some organisations have even given up on the traditional route. New offerings are released through social media, and social media opinion leaders have emerged as brand heroes. Large crowd followings have also formed as a result.

Don't Lose Out

Many organizations are using social media to connect with their consumers. Apart from marketing, it is also widely tapped on for customer relations and corporate social responsibility efforts. Begin by listening to what is being said about your brand, your industry, and your competitors. Collect information from the numerous social media channels. Pre-empt the problem before it actually becomes one. Establish a presence and gain a customer before he even realizes he is one. Tune in, not out. Be part of the conversation.