Content marketing and social media are two trends making big noise in the marketing world lately. And, according to a recent report from PR Newswire, it's hardly a surprise these two strategies are becoming “increasingly and intimately intertwined.”
The report cited an earlier survey from Hubspot.com, which found that content marketing campaigns that include social media are highly effective at establishing long-term relationships and generating new businesses. According to the study, 57 percent of surveyed marketers had acquired new customers through LinkedIn, while 48 percent had done the same using Facebook. Forty-two percent of those using Twitter reported acquiring new customers as well.
However, establishing an effective social media marketing campaign isn't as simple as creating a Facebook profile. According to the report, companies must practice due diligence with their social media content, ensuring information is relevant for their particular audience, as well as thought-provoking.
Also, the report stated that it is important to integrate social networks with one central online outlet, such as a blog or a website. A presence on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and, now, Google+ can broaden a company's ability to reach a wider audience, and then a business should direct convertible fans and followers to content spaces on its site.
In addition to bringing new customers, social content can boost brand loyalty among existing clients. As Brafton recently reported, a new Dell study found social media can often lead to higher levels of customer satisfaction. In addition to spreading a company's brand, social networks be used to create a meaningful conversation with customers and respond to feedback.
