A friend in marketing recently said, “You always write about social media I have to start using. Are there any tactics I can ignore?”
Yes, there most certainly are!
Below are four social media tactics you can forget about for the foreseeable future.
- The newly relaunched MySpace. Last month the site unveiled a beautiful visual interface that got lots of social media experts buzzing. However, consumers aren’t talking about it yet, so you don’t need to think about it.
- Foursquare. I know I will get heat for this recommendation. But, if you’re not on Foursquare, you probably don’t need to be. Mainstream consumers are hesitant to use check-in services because of privacy fears. Plus, there are more convenient ways to check-in, like Facebook and Google+. I bet Foursquare remains niche.
- QR codes. Marketers are much more excited than consumers about QR codes. Some shoppers use them for price comparisons, but there are apps for that. Marketers’ dream that consumers would scan QR codes on ads to learn the story behind their brand just isn’t turning into reality.
- Vine. Marketers and the media are excited about Twitter’s new video app, Vine. It lets people create and share 6 second, looping videos. I recommend sitting on the sidelines and letting someone else figure out how to leverage Vine to drive sales.
I will keep tracking these services---and everything else in digital marketing---so you know what to put on your To Do List and what to put on your Don’t Bother List. Stay tuned...
What are the implications for your business?
- You do not have to jump on every new social media trend.
- Wait to see what your customers do---not what marketers or agencies say---before you embrace a new social media service or tactic.
- Your social media marketing will be more effective if you focus on a few tactics that reach your target consumer at an opportune time.
If you want to keep current on how consumers use social media, technology and the Internet, check out The Digital American 2013.
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For help developing powerful marketing strategies that drive results, strategic plans that deliver growth, or new products that consumers love, contact Brandology at 925-417-2253 or Maura@Brandology.com.
