The ability of a brand to connect with their “advocates” on-line, and proactively “reach out” and interact is “key” to building a successful Social Marketing program. These “advocates” have the world within their reach, and want to be part of the brand’s lifestyle/culture.
If a brand fails to embrace these advocates from a viral and social perspective, they risk alienating their “core” consumer and driving business to another that will embrace them continually. In order to effectively reach out, you must define a clear social networking strategy , which encompass’s an “authentic” message with continual interaction. Many brands still reach out in a unilateral direction, which defines their strategy as self promoting machine that does not understand the current state of social interaction. When you have clear direction to viral/social interaction with your audience, it is not only defined by company positioning, but also infects everyone involved with the brand and as a result the message is clear, concise and effective at all levels. Successful Social Marketing is built off of foundation of guiding principles which are at the “core” of the brand:
Define “What” you stand for…
Communicate this clearly to everyone inside the brand “Camp”…
Be Proactive in “Reaching Out” to your Brand Advocates
Always be “Authentic”…
Once this “vertical” messaging is grounded into the principles of the brand, it can be communicated into the social world with your “brand advocates” , but the key to brand growth is the have these advocates “inject” others with the message, lifestyle and culture. Remember, customers do not buy “products”, they buy “lifestyles”, and brands who understand this principle will successfully grow not only their “advocate” base, but revenues as well.
Enjoy the Ride..!
Bryan Smeltzer
www.bryansmeltzer.com
“Product Innovation and Marketing Success Blog…”
The author
I have a passion for living balanced life and a strong faith...each equally important for thriving and excelling…I love crushing mountain bike trails, exploring and finding ways to grow beyond the “status quo”. I am a dedicated, innovation driven team leader with a passion for establishing a disruptive vision and executing a market dominating strategy… Our industry has always been about creating innovative, market driving solutions that enhance performance or provide for a better life beyond sport. It has also been about culture, fit and passion for the brand. When these foundational pillars are removed, the brand starts to crumble. Being part of an industry that bridges talent between product creation, marketing, sales, finance and operations is formula for success, because every function is about building a foundational performance brand. It’s galvanizing when elite athletes wear and endorse our creations, but the real strength is leading the teams that combine their creative forces and technical expertise to make the engine roar. I am always passionate for defining and leading the next industry revolution… Extensive executive level experience across globally recognized brands, each number one in their respective markets, along with having founded and successfully sold my own branded apparel company. Whether establishing new product lines, building global marketing strategies, leading design/development teams, I have a passion for building and growing brands. Some examples; • Built Zamst from start up to achieving nationwide North American distribution, and 845% revenue growth over a 3 1/2 year period. • With Gathering Storm, grew TaylorMade/adidas Golf Accessories from $11M to $48M over 3 years. • K-Swiss, global executive management of $38M in international licensee’s and domestic apparel/accessories division. • OAKLEY, built and successfully developed “Athletic Division” NCAA licensed team eyewear/apparel product lines achieving $1.4M in initial season.