98% Can Benefit from Social Media Research

Posted by Rahna on September 15, 2008 under Uncategorized | Be the First to Comment

There are some who have not taken me up on the offer of a Social Media Audit for their businesses.  I understand that you are not sure whether this information would REALLY be relevant.  I can tell you that in 98% of the industries selling products or services today,  it would be. 

How do I know this?

Because  I have seen the results given for other clients—actionable, usable information that can drive marketing decisions.

But don’t take my word for it; look at what others are saying.  Ad Age today had an article about how social media is changing the face of research.  http://adage.com/article?article_id=130964

The article talks about conversations taking place with the Advertising Research Foundation (ARF) that “signal a shift in paradigms, and most likely budgets, away from surveys and toward mining insights from blogs, social networks, consumer comments to websites and more, said Joel Rubinson, chief research officer of the ARF.”

I don’t believe traditional research will go away, but I do believe savvy marketers need to know about, and take advantage of, all the research options available to them.

And the other 2%?

You will notice that I say that 98% of companies should be using Social Media Audits as a research tool….What about the other 2%?  Well, I say that because there are a few companies that probably don’t have that much conversation going on on-line.  If your consumer base is not computer-savvy and not inclined to on-line networking and discussion, you won’t find rich enough information to guide you in decision-making….but that is a small percentage of people out there!