Social media –Recuperating and Changing PR

The extensive use of social media has vitally changed how people communicate and exchange information. According to a recent data from comScore Facebook now accounts for 12.3 % of time spent online in U.S opposed to 7.2% just a year ago. Even twitter now accounts for approximately 200 million accounts and over 110 million tweets per day. People have become addicted to social media that is why companies are seeking strategies to engage people in social web, as it helps them to spread the message to a much wider audience.  I feel using social media is fascinating for boosting an organizations PR capabilities. Via twitter or facebook press releases, or any upcoming event news can spread like fire.

Another important aspect of Social media is that, it facilitates 2 way communication process directly with consumer, and in turn which brings a tremendous opportunity for businesses to gain instantaneous feedback. This live interaction makes deeper connections with the target audience and human connections made possible by listening and replying via social media bring the audience closer to a brand and softens the barrier that exists when people feel as if they’re talking to a company that views them strictly as a potential sale.

 Another advantage of using social media is that with it, the speed of information gathering and sharing has become faster than ever before. Just by typing a simple keyword based search on twiiter companies can get connected to consumers seeking solutions for their problems.


It is believed that if Social media is used strategically for PR purposes it makes the brand referential, and when something becomes referential it just keeps growing.

But somehow, social media has also increases the expectations of customers. Now they don’t want to be subjected to mass, don’t need any useless information and just expect that their problems and concerns should be addressed quickly and personally. Now sometimes this can be bit challenging for PR staff managing social media because one unhappy customer on facebook page or blog post can send brand to a crisis mode.

Image credits

amyabrahams.com

Video Credits

http://www.youtube.com/


Sources
http://www.toprankblog.com/2009/11/social-media-pr/