Social Marketing and Social Media – Is There a Difference?

You may be using the terms “social marketing” and “social media” interchangeably, but they are actually quite different. These marketing concepts work together well but have distinct traits that set them apart from one another.

Social marketing is the process of changing or keeping someone’s behavior to benefit that person or the community. Also known as behavior change marketing, various communication channels are used for marketing a brand, business, service, or product. Advertising on social media is a crucial component of social marketing.

Social media is a means of communication with others who may live next door or on the next continent. Popular platforms today include Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Pinterest, but there are many others. It’s a place to talk about common interests and network with friends, family, and coworkers.

A social marketing campaign is often organized in this way:

• Helping the target audience understand your product or service and why they need to buy them. Identify the target audience – age, location, etc.
• Developing a message to convey and testing it online. Bring a bit of fun into the mix to draw customers.
• Creating an outreach and involvement plan. Make use of various advertising means that include social media, email, traditional media, etc.
• Evaluating the results. Consider the progress throughout the campaign, as well as a complete assessment after the program ends.

To utilize social media as part of your overall social marketing campaign, contact the team at Top Marketing Agency at (888) 843-9840 to set up a consultation. Our marketing specialists have the skill and expertise you need to bring your business to the forefront of your industry. Let us show you how!