Three Predictions and Priorities for Social Business in 2012

The emergence and the immense popularity of social media have brought multiple changes to the marketing strategies of organizations. In addition, it has also changed the way the organizations manage customer service. The focus is now on a more immediate approach to problem identification and rectification. Just as these changes came about in the last few years, the new year too will mark the beginning and strengthening of new trends.

Predictions for this year also give food for thought to organizations on the strategies to be implemented in order to capitalize on the emerging scenarios. We list out the possibilities and the way the organizations will need to fine tune their marketing and customer management strategies in keeping with the same.

1. Customize the shopping experience for customers

Technology has enabled organizations to collect data on customers which give an unprecedented insight into the needs of the clients along with an understanding of their preferences in terms of product quality. It is not just the e-commerce ventures but the brick and mortar stores too that have access to data on purchases made by customers. An approach that uses social media to keep a closer look at the immediate needs of the customers and rewards the consumers, in keeping with their needs, for loyalty over the long term will make a significant impact when it comes to attracting and retaining customers.

2. Recognize the increasing clout of social media

The feedback on offer on social media can have a significant impact on a product’s prospects. A nod of approval from peers gives a major boost to a product’s brand equity. Organizations have become active in this domain but a more active approach is required now. One factor that is important here is that the organizations need to be ready for bouquets as well as the brickbats. Campaigns that gloss over a product are passé. Organizations will do well to accept the flaws with an offer to correct the problems in the near future. The problems cannot be hidden, they can only be rectified.

3. Interact and engage

Interaction between consumers and service providers has increased over the years still more is in the offing. Organizations need to collect and collate data to introduce improvements in products along with enhancements in services. This is also needed to launch new products in response to recognition of the need for a product that caters to a niche market segment. As organizations become more forthcoming in making consumers a part of the decision making process for arriving at new product features on offer, the people too are likely to engage more with organizations to attend to their requirement for products that are built around specific consumer needs.

The significance of social media has been emphasized upon time and again. Organizations need to realize that if anything the importance of social networking platforms in the business domain is only going to increase. Organizations need to expedite the inclusion of these platforms as the core constituent of marketing and product promotion strategies in order to maximize the results and to stay prepared for an even greater consumer engagement in the future.

Our guest author, Alia Haley, is a blogger by profession. She loves writing on technology and autos. Beside this she is fond of cameras and bikes. Recently an article on bike accessories attracted her attention. These days she is busy in writing an article on Steiner Binoculars.