Deep down in all people, there is a need to socialize. And when there’s a need, there will be some geniuses out there with solutions to cater to this need. There are many social networking sites available now such as Friendster, Twitter, Tagged, Hi-5, and of course, Facebook. Today Facebook occupies a major part of our Internet browsing activities, and it won’t be an exaggeration to say that it plays an impact in our lives.
Being Connected?
Getting connected to people and groups is now an easy task at hand. With 3G services, hotspots around Singapore, a large number of users are staying connected on the go. Furthermore with the upcoming iN2015, more users will be staying connected on the go. Even if you do not have a 3G or WiFi enabled phone, as long as you have Ping, you are most probably good to go.
What is Ping you may ask? Ping is a hoodie, still in concept phase that allows you perform Facebook actions such as poking a friend.
Do Fans matter on your Facebook page?
With the large number of users, companies have started recognizing the potential of these social networking sites. It was such a subtle and a natural process, one may wonder when companies began creating their own “fan pages”. Companies soon began to market and advertise their fan sites through usual ways such as creating their own group profiles, updating status/information, conducting contests and interacting with their “fans”.
However, one shouldn’t judge the success of their social media marketing just by looking at the number of fans they have. Having fans does not necessary mean that they would visit your page everytime they log into Facebook. Really, how many of your “fans” are real ones that interact with your brand all the time?
Games on Facebook
If you noticed, the most common updates you see on your Facebook wall (Besides updates on how your friends are doing) are posts about how someone needs your help in Mafia Wars, someone is adopting a lost seal, or has completed a new building in Farmville. Do you see now what people are spending the most time on in Facebook? =)
Besides the usual channels on Facebook, companies should consider using games as a medium to garner more exposure. Games have always been a never ending source of income and entertainment to many people. Even more so on social networking sites, it has proven to be one driving factor that has increased user interaction in a social network. At least to this ex-Plovdiv city council member in Bulgaria, he was so interested in Farmville and wanting to level up that it cost him his job. At least that doesn’t happen over here! =)
Taking an example on this, companies can create and give out accessories for avatars in games such as a pair of Adidas shoes or Picket & Rail furniture for pet society players. Perhaps they can have an in-game virtual store. Through such methods, companies might just be able to create a presence and garner exposure while at the same time benefiting you who received new accessories for your avatars.
Have fun experimenting with social media, and listen to feedback from your users!
