If there is a story to be told…

Most of us have been on Social Media for over 20 years and yet we have such a love hate relationship with all that it represents. It invades our life, exposes way too much of our lives and demands our attention whenever we have a few spare minutes.

If that is the case for us marketers, then what does it mean to the average consumer?

Given that it is so invasive, does the thought of adding to the clutter with marketing messages appeal to you? Worry you? Or excite you?

I believe that Social Media has to be part of a brand’s journey towards their consumers. If you have a story to tell, and you can build this story in such a way that it excites and motivates consumers, then Social Media has to be part of your customer communications strategy.

The story has to be relevant to the consumer’s relationship with your brand. Being inventive, brave and fun is important in this context. Sadly, very few brand messages in Social Media are any of those things. Genuine engagement with consumers can only be achieved with an authentic approach and understanding of the relationship consumers have with your brand. Be honest with yourself, what do consumers think of your brand, and do they want a storytelling, ongoing relationship with your brand? If you answer yes, then Social Media is your best friend. If you try to force it along, then Social Media is just providing a platform for your consumers to vent.

I was looking for some examples of GREAT Social Media campaigns and found some via the Rocket Agency (have been following them, and their founder James Laurence for some time).

Have a look HERE and compare what you are doing…