Social Media in the Marketing Mix

Posted by Rahna on April 23, 2009 under Social Media | Be the First to Comment

Last week was a big week for Twitter.  On Friday, April 17th, Oprah joined Twitter and sent her first tweet on national television. In addition, Ashton Kutcher got his millionth Twitter follower (beating out CNN).  As a part of her show, Oprah had Ashton on as a (remote) guest, naming him the king of Twitter.  The show represented a turning point for many social media proponents; they felt that social media had come of age and is now THE way to communicate…the only media worth considering. 

 

Ashton talked about how media is now in the hands of the masses.  You no longer have to wait to communicate.  You can send messages out immediately to anyone willing to listen to you.  In Ashton’s world, he appreciated being able to refute tabloid-type rumors right way, without having to go through a publicist or some other official spokes person.

 

There are those predicting that, like newspapers, all other media will soon be dead. 

 

Hold on, there, Chief.  Let’s take a moment to see who has gained these million followers…is it your Uncle Earl?  No.  It’s a celebrity, someone who reached stardom through that most traditional of all vehicles—TV!  Yes, it’s another way to communicate, and there are definite marketing implications for anyone selling a product or service, but let’s not get ahead of ourselves.  There is still a primary place for “traditional” media.  Social media is simply the toddler at the kids table at this point.

 

I’m not saying, “Don’t get a Twitter account.”  I am on Twitter (@Rahna); follow me and we’ll talk tweet.  I’m just saying, don’t eliminate your traditional media buy altogether.