I have had quite a few posts recently touting the benefits of social media. While still in its infancy, social media and social networking are incredibly powerful when executed properly and when companies use them to bridge the communication gaps between themselves and their customers, clients, and core audiences. But while just about everyone is at least dipping their toes into social networking these days, it is important to realize a couple of important things about those old tried and true methods: direct mail and email marketing.
1. The social market is just one more component in the Wheel of Persuasion. Direct mail and email marketing are
Marketing Wheel of Persuasion
tools on the wheel as well, and in order to have an effective campaign, all elements must be considered,utilized and executed properly, and then measured to receive the maximum ROI.
2. While there is a mass migration to social media and so many companies are advertising and selling their “wares” on social media sites, they are forgetting about direct mail and email marketing; thus these avenues may actually become more effective. Direct mail and email marketing can also be just as cost effective as a properly planned social media campaign. By using all of these avenues to reach your targets on multiple levels and multiple locations you are reinforcing brand recognition and messaging, and creating a stronger campaign as you go.
3. Email marketing may seem easy, but there are a lot of very strict laws out there that prohibit businesses from sending unsolicited messages. If you are caught doing this without following the rules, it can be costly on a number of levels. (A.) You can be given a pretty steep fine and in this economy can anyone really afford this? (B.) You lose the trust of your audience. When you send spam, you are bringing your company and your campaign down to the same level as those businesses (is that what they really are?) that send out the latest discounts on male enhancement drugs. Is this really the category under which you want your message to be filed? No. Marketing professionals are very aware of these laws and it is in your best interest to consult with them before you try to send anything out.
One thing to remember about using social media to promote your business is that it takes time to develop relationships and gain the trust of those people you are trying to reach. Then once you reach them, often the messaging is not perceived in the manner in which you intended it to be conveyed. But remember, perception is reality from each person’s standpoint. Full Moon Design Group is experienced in reaching audiences using techniques that limit those variations in perception and truly get across the meaning in the light our clients want to be seen in.
Consistency is the key. Direct mail, email marketing and social media can actually be used to cross promote each other. The point being is that marketing effectiveness does not happen in a bubble. They should all be a part of your overall campaign. They strengthen your brand, your image, your message and get you in front of your customers. Let us help you develop a strategic overall marketing campaign and design the right mix of all of these elements that is right for your company. Contact us today: 512.428.9072