The Rise of Social Media

Generally, people have always had an underlying desire for relationships and a need for building community. The way people satisfy those needs and wants, however, have changed over time. Currently, we are seeing the rise of social media including social networking sites as a channel through which people can build relationships and achieve a sense of community.

Because companies seek to build relationships with consumers, it is imperative that they use the channels through which people communicate. One of such channels includes Facebook, which currently has about 175 million active users (Smith). Given the sheer magnitude of this number, it would be imprudent of companies not to explore this medium and attempt to connect with this immense network of people.

One of the ways companies can use Facebook to create a unique experience for customers is by creating a platform on which customers can voice their concerns, complaints, and comments by becoming a member of the company’s Facebook “group.” This will allow customers to inform companies about what is lacking, where they have gone wrong, or what companies should continue doing which will in turn help companies gain insights and become more efficient and effective at achieving their goals.

The dialogue that can be established between company and customer can allow for a much more robust relationship without being invasive or overstepping any boundaries. According to the Groundswell reading, one in four online American adults visit social networking sites at least monthly. Some check these social networking sites weekly or even daily. Given this phenomenon, Facebook is an efficient way of keeping customers in the loop about events, promotions, contests, and other programs that will allow the customer to build relationships with companies.

Social media such as Facebook and Google Blog Search are great ways to get informed and get a richer experience with your favorite companies. I recently used Google Blog Search to explore one of my favorite coffee shops, and I immediately discovered a coupon for a promotional event that offers a free seasonal coffee beverage between 4 and 8pm on Thursday November, 12th. I live right across from a Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf location, so I will be sure to participate in this event and receive my free beverage tomorrow after I return from class.

Using Google Blog Search was really an enriching experience because I have been trying to save money lately, yet I still wanted to treat myself to something this week. Now I can treat myself without having to feel guilty about spending money needlessly. I have participated in one of these promotional events before after finding out about it from a friend, and I did develop an affinity for this company after receiving a complimentary drink and great service. This experience made me want to patronize this particular coffee shop, and now I have a useful tool to search for more information from my favorite brands and stores.

Utilizing the tools and entryways of today’s social media can be beneficial to companies and consumers alike. Companies can use media such as Facebook and Google Blog Search to interact with customers, build good will, and update customers with everything the company offers.