SpinSix Strategic - Marketing Design

"Social media" refers to media in which end-users, instead of publishers, create content and share information with one another. Current popular examples include Facebook and Twitter, but the phenomenon actually goes back many years, including forums, reader comments on blogs or news items, and Amazon user review of books and other products. Social media is rapidly evolving, but one thing is certain: It's here to stay.

Many companies are struggling to understand how to manage their communications and branding in this profoundly transformed paradigm in which companies no longer control their brands; customers do. In this new world, old-school companies are finding it difficult to let go of control, often making embarrassing mistakes that are quickly and brutally exposed to the world via word-of-mouth at the speed of light.

More nimble and innovative companies, on the other hand, are thriving in this brave new world, learning how to harness the power of social media, not only to improve their image, but to improve every aspect of their business. By embracing the power of people rather than resisting it; by becoming transparent, rather than secretive; and by listening rather than shouting, social media-savvy companies are earning the respect and loyalty of passionate fans. Forget everything you learned in Marketing 101; this is the meaning of "brand" in the 21st century. It's not you logo, color palette, and tagline; it's who you are as a company that matters.

At SpinSix, we spend every day on the cutting edge of social media. We know what's hot, what's passé, and what's coming down the road. We can show you how to work with the massive tidal forces of social media—and let it carry your message for you, while you provide occasional, strategic stimulus and nudges to help guide the flow of information.

Sadly, many self-styled "social media marketing" firms—usually ad agencies and PR firms who are panicking, attempting to remake themselves into something that is still relevant—tell all of their customers the same thing: "You need a Facebook page and a blog." Nothing could be further from the truth. There is no one-size fits all approach to social media. Our strategic marketing experts have a proprietary methodology for assessing your firm's unique strengths and weaknesses, identifying those that will play well in the context of social media dynamics. We then outline a specific strategy with immediate tactical steps that can be taken, as well as a 12-month strategic plan—your "social media roadmap." (In most cases, anything beyond 12 months is pure speculation, as the environment is changing so fast.)

With SpinSix as your team of social media experts, you not only will have expert insight of some of the leading minds in the industry, but you will also be able to leapfrog competitors who still haven't realized that most of what they know is no longer correct, and that the entire world has changed beneath their feet.

See Also:

Media Planning, Media Relations, Public Relations,