Brands fear the social media revolution

Social Media Revolution

The increasing popularity and usage of social media is changing the ways brands and consumers are connecting. Whether it’s a direct message on Twitter or a comment of Facebook, relationships between brands and consumers are being created, maintained and strengthened because of social media.

According to the following “Social Media Revolution” video, 93 percent of marketers use social media for business. What about the other seven percent? Despite the positives of utilizing social media, one of the main reasons some brands are avoiding it is because of its power.

“Social Media Revolution” video showcases the power of social media.

Erik Qualman, author of Socialnomics and the video’s creator, said brands don’t have a choice to use social media. “We don’t have a choice on whether we DO social media, the question is how well we DO it,” he said.

Pinterest: Twitter's baby sister

Pinning

Pinterest, a virtual pinboard, is an emerging social media tool which is quickly gaining popularity. It allows users to explore, upload and pin pictures to their boards. Pinterest is interesting and addicting because it’s unpredictable. Tabs labeled “Everything,” “Videos,” “Popular” and “Gifts” allow users to explore pins and even purchase products. The “Everything” tab includes 32 categories of interests ranging from wedding & events to cars & motorcycles. The “Gifts” tab includes six price ranges for consumers to explore products.

Pinterest has features similar to Twitter, making it a powerful social media tool for brands to utilize.

Brandtags: a valuable crowdsourcing website for brand owners

Definition

Crowdsourcing: “the act of taking a job traditionally performed by a designated agent (usually an employee) and outsourcing it to an undefined, generally large group of people in the form of an open call.” – Jeff Howe, a Wired editor

The term, coined and defined by Howe in 2006, serves as a powerful strategy for companies, organizations and entrepreneurs who utilize it.

Wired, a monthly magazine and online news source, focuses on how innovative ideas are changing the world. [via Wired Press Center]