FtcWindsor

A couple of weeks ago I googled branding and social media and found nothing of note, so I wrote a blog in the hopes of triggering a bit of a debate.  Unfortunately no takers on the debate. But I got one comment saying that the blog was not useful, to be honest I agree because I asked all ‘the questions’ and had no answers. Furthermore, the questions were not answered by any debate. So I had a bit of think on what I thought was Branding in the social media context and put the core elements in a diagram (last weeks blog). I am aware the diagram need fleshing out, so this week I have targeted a few experts on the field on twitter to see what they think of the diagram. I am also going to write about what keeps playing on my mind regarding social media and branding.

How is social media branding different to traditional branding?

The key difference being that people that follow a particular brand on social media forums are already interested or loyal to the brand in the offline world. Alternatively, if the brand only exists in the online world then the follower of a particular brand see value in the social media content.

So where does value come from in the online world for both online brands and offline brands online?

Value in the online world comes in multiple forms 1) information provided, 2) entertainment provided/ value, 3) value added to ones life, and 3) the degree to which people associate with either the content or the community surrounding. For example, I read multiple blogs some I read because they give me tips which improve my methods / life style, others I read because they make me laugh or cringe, still others I read to keep myself informed. Finally, I read some things because I know the people involved or like the debates on the site. This means that brand value comes from two sources in the online world 1) the people blogging or tweeting etc. (social media provider) and 2) the reactions of followers.

What are the most important things in creating or managing a brand online?

It seem to come back to the usual buzzwords 1) authenticity of the social media provider and 2) engagement of followers.

I think this topic will still play on my mind this week, so next week I might have more on the topic.

Note: Oddly enough I noticed more articles on brands and social media now.

Recently I wrote a blog trying to get a dialogue going branding in the context of social media and I got a comment saying there was limited value in the blog. Point taken, I have been considering what does constitute a brand in the context of social media. Thus far these are my preliminary thoughts, done up in a digram.

I was one of the lucky few to attend a debate at electric picnic on Politics in the Internet Age. The end result being that in some ways things that where not on the political agenda can be put on the agenda by using social media. However, it also could result in people not “real” taking action but being pacified by voicing their concerns on the net. I suppose it is a bit like a whingers party …you whinge and feel better so you do nothing…..

The reality is JUST not CLEAR – Obama used social media to gain support for his campaign. Whilst in the recent elections in Australia the political parties had a situation where an elderly lady who supported neither party gained great following for her commentary on the election campaign. So, there are mixed results. Within Ireland if we look at twitter – Senator Dan Boyle uses it as a means to thrash out issues, keep his ear to the ground and generally communicate with his supporters. Yet, 1 tweet of his tweets caused havoc and the resignation of Willie O’Dea. As you can see reality is JUST not CLEAR

Ultimately, social media could assist politicians in doing their job and in campaigns BUT there also risks. These risks mean that they have to understand social media and be aware that in the current environment it is no just the media hounds that might affect your popularity but the little old lady next door on twitter!