October 29th, 2009

Social Media and B2B Marketing

600 x 300

Many companies don’t understand the value of adopting social media for their B2B marketing. They still think that marketing on social media wouldn’t benefit their company, and they believe that social media marketing is only suitable for business-to-consumer (B2C) companies. However the fact is that social marketing is perhaps the most valuable and cost effective way to do online marketing. Studies show that B2B companies are spending more money on online marketing and 69 % of B2B buyers use social networks for business networking and development. Many of the same tactics that are used for B2C also apply for B2B. It’s vital for B2B companies to use social media tools as a complement to face-to-face interactions.

If you are a B2B company you should be active in communities and social networks were your customers and potential customers hang around. Use social media tools to reach out to your key target audience and take part of the conversations that are going on about your brand. You will be able to better identify the needs of your most significant customers by listening to them. To be able to listen to your customers and participate in the discussions you can set up a twitter account or a Facebook page with relevant content about your brand. Or maybe a YouTube channel.

If you have the resources you can set up a team who only works with social media marketing and that can integrate social media strategies into your general business strategy.

Another good social media tactic is to start blogging. Blogging is a very good way to raise your voice and brand out there amongst your customer. It’s very easy to set up a blog, but remember it’s vital that you have something interesting to write about.

Create a forum for your customers were they can tell what they think about your products and what their needs are. This is a way for you to collect some really valuable information. Hire or talk to an experienced social media copywriter that understands online writing and social media marketing.

Try out different social media tools and see what works for you and your customers. In today’s new business landscape you can’t afford to miss the opportunities that social media offers you to build closer relationship with your customers. The customers will expect some kind of social media presence from your company.

Social Media