7 Steps for Effective Social Media Marketing Strategy

Those who are the regular reader of my blog they must have read my last post on Impact of social Media & it's evolution. If you have missed it you can read it here : Impact of Social Media & The Internet on Our Lives. We all know social media has become one of the most important & popular tools for all kind of businesses today. This tool is inexpensive in nature and it helps one to connect with customers and networks. Businesses and Individuals struggle to incorporate the right Social Media tact because of which it fails professionally and efficiently.

With Social Media, the key to success is planning the strategy carefully and thereafter documenting it. Let me share 7 basic steps for effective Social media marketing.

The other essential steps for effective Social Media Marketing Strategy are-

      1) Executive Summary

When any prospective investor reviews any company, they mainly read through the summary of the company plans. Initially, one may begin with the general overview of any intentions for SMO marketing strategy. In this summary, businesses can create sections where they can address the problem, the solution, the opportunity, competitive advantages, handful of bullet points which describes as to how one can monetize social media, mention about the core members of any team, economics of social media marketing, funding which are required for any organization to achieve the milestones etc.

In addition, one may also include elements such as customer outreach, integration with their own existing websites & blogs, distribution of digital content and any development of customer loyalty with engagement.

2)  Specify goals and objectives

It is highly important to specify about the primary goals and objectives of any strategy. It however depends on the area of business. Three important goals of marketing strategy are-

a) Raising brand awareness,

b) Engaging customers and

c) Building community.

Another equally important point is transforming unknown traffic into customers. Take all these points when strategizing goals and objectives.

3) Identifying target audience

The target audience of any business is the current customers and potential customers. All these details about potential customers and others are described in detail in this section. The main goal is to gain new customers and it can be researched after determining the demographics of the potential customer base.

4) Locations and Sites

The other important factor is determining social networking channels that intend to develop presence. Based on the niche and target market, one should carry on the research and considers their social site. For businesses, when social media grows it’s a bonus for them as they find more networks to their circle.

Businesses reach the target audience with their message and posts through social media. It is primarily for such reasons that social media posts and messages are engaging in nature.

     5) Balance & Control

      The moment one understands the behavior of followers and fans; they are able to interact better with their brands on social networks. For convenience, it is always better to monitor the networks one chooses and detail the areas of each of these networks. Even the reactions to any content of the business post must be closely monitored.

6)  Tactics-

Details of the target audience mainly determine what kind of content any business will include at each site. How a site behaves and how a site is used includes how often there is any update, what interactions will be held with followers such as question and answer sessions, promotional specials and contests. Lead generation is directly related to how contents are created for the site.

7)  Monitor Reports, measurement, and analytics (ROI)

It is important to determine the effectiveness of social media marketing campaign. The analysis of the data is done in 3 distinct stages that are- Launch, Management, and Optimization. One has to collect a number of visitors and followers, success rates of different types of promotions and likes.

Much of the data of companies are looked after by Profile’s statistics and keeping a close watch over the metrics such as evaluating regularly the trends and shifts. It is effectively required for businesses that want to stay competitive. It is important to compile a wise plan and strategy from the outset as it gives one the highest chance to run a successful Social Media Marketing campaign.

Impact of Social Media & Internet on Our Lives

As we moved from the 20th century of Anno Domini (A.D.), we entered in an era of Information Technology & World Wide Web in the 21st century. The first decades of this century shown the emergence of the internet & social networking evolving social media as one of the best innovation so far for humankind. Today our life is completely dependent on what is trending on social media or what is happening on the Internet. The online presence of everything became so important that we  actually started living virtually on the social media. I remember the days when I always tried to get some time to read a newspaper or watch TV news channels, just to know what is happening around me in the real world. With the emergence of social media & the internet, I am just a click away from a breaking news or current affair. "A media can be defined as a technology that is intended to reach a large audience by mass communication." That's what social media is nowadays most common medium to reach & engage a larger audience.

Image Credit:Linkedin.com

Technology has helped social media to penetrate more & more in our day to day life. Especially communication has become so easy, nowadays with the help of smartphone & tablets  we can easily see the real-time status, photos, locations & videos by simply tapping the touch screen.With the help of social media now the whole world is open to all of us. Social media portals like facebook, twitter & Youtube bring the whole world very closer- just a click away. You can simply chat with anyone you like or share your pictures as in when required. This is just an example how social media impacted the way we establish our day to day communication & search for information. 

Social media has not only impacted us at the personal level, but it has also changed the way we do business. Almost all new startups consider social media as an innovative, easier & most useful tool for their branding, promotions & medium for successful campaigns.

Social media has also impacted the way of communication between people & businesses organizations. Now the customer can simply post their complaints on the businesses official  twitter handle & the company immediately respond & acknowledge the query. 

Social media has also boosted the presence of NGO's, non-profit organization & social causes to reach the major part of our society in terms of  raising awareness & arranging funds for the social benefits without any additional cost. Reaching to a large audience is not a barrier anymore. The social media campaign, influencers, and blogger media outreach are some of the latest branding & marketing techniques arising from the powerful impact of social media & the internet.

As a social media enthusiast, blogger & influencer, I believe in the impact & power of social media & the internet. The days are not far when we will see the social media outreach as one of the most common way of advertisement over the traditional way of marketing. The Internet will continue to dominate the life of human race in various forms in future as well. If you want to share how social media & the internet has changed your life, please do mention in the comment section. 

This blog post is inspired by the blogging marathon hosted on IndiBlogger for the launch of the #Fantastico Tiago from Tata Motors. You can apply for a test drive of the hatchback Tiago today.

Ping Pay: A Multi-social Mobile App from Axis Bank

Today we live in the world of social media which is basically the part of so-called emerging Digital world. People are using digital media for everything. In recent years, we have seen various innovations in online banking domain & NCPI's IMPS or Immediate Money Transfer is one the most popular innovation last year. All  banks are also trying to use social media as an option or substitute for the traditional way of banking. Recently I have been invited for one of the similar initiatives by the one of the major private bank in India "Axis Bank " which is also one of the  FORBES Fortune 2000 companies in the world this year. I was one of the privileged bloggers from Mumbai who got the opportunity to interact with the IT & Development team of Axis bank which includes the creator of their newly launched mobile App.

"Axis Digital" event was conducted by Axis bank in association with Blogadda at their corporate office.

Bloggers Interacting with Axis Bank Official

Brief About "Ping Pay App":
PingPay is a multi-social application by Axis bank, which allows its user to transfer funds seamlessly to anyone they are connected to using WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Email & phone contact list.

It provides a unique multi-social payment solution to enable customers, especially the youth & smartphone users more frequently for money transfer, mobile recharge using social messaging channels.

Ping Pay has been developed in partnership with Fastacash, a Singapore based, venture-capital backed firm. It's technology enables value(money, airtime, coupons, etc) transfers, along with digital content across any social or messaging platform. It comes up with various security features like SIM locking, Device locking, OTP which ensured that all your transactions are safe & secure.

How To Register on PING PAY- Registration Process 

You need to download the app from play store, then follow the below infographic to register your account on Ping Pay.

Features of PingPay -Social Banking: 

1. You can Send Money socially 
2. You can ask Money socially
3. You can send Recharge socially
4. You can ask Recharge socially
5. You can Open a Saving Account with Axis
6. You can check your account balance anytime on Ping pay

In my opinion, such application provides  people to be more digitally & socially connected.

Also, serve as a better platform & rich user experience in terms of banking. Ping Pay act as an entry point for Non-axis customers as well, which is actually a good way to get new customers. Overall the event was very interacting, we asked lots of queries on application features & usability. Some bloggers gave ideas to improve & add features like bill payments apart from recharges to be used as a utility bill payment solution for all services. Axis officials confirmed that they are working on next release & will surely come up with more features in next version. So stay tuned for my next post on Axis bank. 

Hope this application will change the way we do banking. Are you using PingPay for money transfers & recharges, please do share your experiences in the comment section. 

This post is about 'Digital Axis' meet conducted by Axis Bank in association with BlogAdda.com 

#RiseAboveFear -Courage is what it takes !!

 To Rise above fear is to be sure about what you are doing are going to make some difference.Some times in our life we feel stupid about our karma because we might have made various mistakes in the past,but moving on after a certain incorrect act or mistakes can eliminate fear from our lives. Fear come with setbacks,but faith gives us audacity and tenacity to achieve success most of the time,if  I have to say above lines in one quote,I will use words of  Ambrose Redmoon "Courage is not the absence of fear,but rather the judgement that something else is more important than fear"

To understand above thoughts in practical life,let me tell you about one crucial risk I took in my life and how it  helped me to overcome my fear and achieve success.

Decision to take one year drop for preparation for engineering entrance exams :

After my schooling it was time to choose my career path,I was on the urge of deciding which stream to choose.Some told me to go for MBBS and become doctor,few told me to prepare for Indian civil services,but in my mind I had to decide whether to go for my dream to join top engineering institute in computer engineering or to do what others are saying.I was so worried and at that time getting to a top college was seems to be a pie in the sky .Looking at the competition level for pre-engineering entrance exams,I was anxious to take any decision on my next step,all my teachers and mentors suggested to join leading coaching institute for exam preparation,for which I need to take one year drop from my regular studies & gave a huge fee of 40-50 K approximately apart from other miscellaneous expanses of accommodation food etc,total  cost was around  1 lakh.I was so afraid ,if I take 1 year gap for preparation and doesn't qualify with top rank my whole year and my fathers hard money will go on vein.Also no need to mention about peer pressure and social trauma in such situation .For me it was time to show some courage And confidence  to take final call for my career,in spite of  fear & anxiety,I went ahead and decided to take drop for engineering exam and went to Indore for preparation.There I joined a leading coaching institute.During my preparation I continuously learned to rise above my fear of not cracking the exam had faith in myself that I will be in toppers list of qualifying students.Finally it was the day of pre-engineering exam.In spite of nervousness I wrote the exam with confidence to crack the exam & finally the day of result came,Guys you will be surprised ,I got 25th state rank,I was sure about getting in top 100 but getting 25 Rank is all because of faith and can-do-attitude to rise above fear of failing the exam.

You must have seen the advertisement of popular PepsiCo's drink Mountain dew which Say's "Darr ke Aage Jeet hai" and follow the philosophy of  "Who Dares,Wins".I must say it's true I always feel the same and salute the spirit of those who rise above fear. Recently Mountain Dew brand has launched #RiseAboveFear campaign for theme based TVC  which show how two actors (Arya & Akhil) overcome their personal mountain of fears, Its clear from video that team had to #RiseAboveFear to shoot it and make the Film reality.

 

#Lucky6 GAMING APP - Fraud & Cheaters BEAWARE of them

We have been trying our luck every day, weather it's a lottery, jackpot or any kind of gambling. Starting from playing a quiz show to a game competition everywhere we always try our luck in a hope of something big. It always requires us to invest something before we get anything in return or try our luck. But first time in India, FatCat is launching a unique lottery style application game called Lucky 6  initially on popular Android& IOS platform with another interesting game QuickApp. We all know that  playing game on  Mobile is fun,but what if we play games & in return we won jackpot, cash prizes, rewards  & sponsored luxury holiday trips etc.We can say it's a revolution in mobile gaming industry.

FatCat is a crowd Funded Campaign 





Let's Review some of the features of this App & How to play the GAME 

1-Once downloaded the application ,t his will be your first screen .
You need to SIGN UP & Verify your account by clicking on activation mail sent to your registered email id (Verification is compulsory to play the game).

2- Once logged in click on Lucky 6 App & select 6 brands & Start playing .
It's very simple you  simply need to select 6 brands which are having higher rankings & which you predict will perform better in next few days in the market .

                                                      

3- You can also play QuizAPP to win some luxury holidays & trips .You need to answer simple questions & if you right you win . Its so simple as it looks .This APP is in beta phase & will be launched soon .

4- Share To win : This is one of the best feature ,you share this game with your friends on social media & you increase your chance of winning .

They win ,you win .The more you invite the greater your chances of winning .

Share to win 

Below are my screenshot while I played Lucky 6 :

Select 6 brands of your choice & confirm 

Welcome Screen

Personal Dashboard 

My Verdict : These is cheater company who cheated in India & now headed to north america to fool more people. Do not use any of their games or app.

Note: This company has cheated more than 100 bloggers in India & frauded on payment. kindly ignore & report to police.

Social Media Week #SMWMumbai - My Story

I got a chance to explore the Social Media week '14 in Mumbai, delegated  by Blogadda. Since it was scheduled during the weekdays I took an leave from my office for the closing day.

Just to give an introduction what is this Social Media Week ,2014  basically Social Media Week is full of panels and discussions on how to create more engaging content, which Socialbakers furthered by developing the Smart Storyteller benchmark.

During my short visit to the event at Novotel hotel, Juhu  I found the atmosphere very exciting.
Also got the chance to meet few of my fellow blogger at the event , we were just roaming around to find something interesting for us & get something to learn for !!

I would like to share some interesting facts & my experience of the events I have attended at SMW

26 Sept '14 -Closing Day Events # Ek Jhalak: 

DHARAVI GOES SOCIAL: 
Interesting Panel Discussion by Fahim & Tauseef – Founder- Dharavi Tour

Dharavi famously known as the Largest Slum of Asia and off late the place where Slumdog Millionaire was shot is a land of diverse people and industries. 

 We were guided by Fahim and Tauseef of Be The Local Tours & Travel, who specialise in Dharavi tours.

MAKING BUSINESS SOCIAL OR DOING SOCIAL BUSINESS?

This part was something which is still creating confusion in my mind , however, the speaker was very confident how we are using social media for business & brand promotion.In an age of marketing and business that is increasingly social, many businesses and thought leaders stress the importance of creating a culture that embraces social media inside and out. A social media savvy business encourages collaboration across teams, surfaces expertise from SME's 
and can scale brand and community engagement by drawing upon the collective wisdom of employees and customers.

BOLLYWOOD TROLLING: FUN & NEW AGE: 

This was the last event for SMW'14 , As I  said not all panel discussions are meant to ‘chew your brain’.This was a  fun session to troll on Bollywood and to discuss on how Bollywood has gone more social and conversational with the emerge of Social Media.

Enjoyed the interaction with Bollywood team & it was really fun.

SMW Mumbai sponsers 

Overall the entire event was conducted smoothly and synchronously and I  was  delight to be a part of the Social Media Week 2014 in Mumbai. 

A Special thanks to BlogAdda for giving an opportunity to explore such an event ,it was surely a paradise for bloggers like me .

IM & Social Media Etiquettes For Corporates

Instant message (or "IM") interruptions are like emails you just can't ignore. The little ping and the way it pops up in front of whatever you're doing make it an extremely effective way for someone to virtually hijack your productivity at work.  

Also, Social Media is an important part of the organization, brand or personal identity. Failure to understand the proper etiquette for these platforms can be damaging and embarrassing.

Chat, IM(Instant Messaging), Texting Etiquette :

1 )-Try not to be overly cryptic or your meaning can be misread. Practice communicating briefly .

2)-Use IM for casual topics or informational briefs.IM is not the place for serious topics or confrontational issues.

3)-Check if it is a good time to chat. Refrain from IMing if the other person is in screen share mode

4)-Always consider if calling the other party on the phone is better when texting about sensitive topics

5)-If you are not good at multitasking, do not continue multiple IM sessions and leave folks hanging while you communicate with others.

6)-Learn how to use the features of your IM program. Specifically you are "busy" and "away" message features.

7)-Take into consideration who you are communicating with to determine the acronyms and emoticons that should be used - if at all.

Social Media, Blogs and Forums Etiquette : 

1)-Keep in mind when posting on social media or message boards that you are in a global arena .

2)-When discussions get out of control; don't stoop to name-calling or profanities. You are better than that!

3)-Keep commercialism to no more than a link at the end of your comment or contribution .

4)-Stay on topic and discuss issues only relative to the thread/topic in question

5)-Never give out personal information or specifics or your location on online -- nor should you give out the personal information of others!

6)-Keep in mind there will always be differences of opinion. Try to remain objective and not personalize issues.

7)-Be sure to edit, or remove any part of the post you are replying to that is no longer necessary to the ongoing conversation

Visit : www.snazzyawionline.com 

Review: http://www.shvoong.com/internet-and-technologies/business-economy/2430351-http-www-snazzyawionline-com/

                                 

New Era of Banking :Social Banking #Jifi Is here

Now days Social Media has covered  all domains weather it is Television ,Advertisement ,Media ,Online Shopping ,Digital Marketing ,Education ,Entertainment ,Music ,Sports everything .Than how come Banking is remain untouched .Now all Major International & domestic banks have started using Social Media in some manner to promote & attract customers .

In process of making money simple ,Kotak Mahindra Bank  has recently came up with  Kotak Jifi Account ,which is a kind of  non-interest bearing account ,however it does not have any minimum balance requirements .Also have facility of automatically creating  term deposits if your balance crosses Rs 25,000 ,your spare cash will earn high interest .
Also when you sign up for Jifi account you will get Kotak Money Watch -Platinum subscription free for 1Year , 25 Loyalty point on transactions of more than Rs 500,Referral rewards I have already mentioned .

How its related with Social media is you can only open this account via your face book account or mail invitation ,however Facebook account is compulsory to open Jifi account as of now .

You can use Twitter ,to know your account balance ,transaction history & many more activities .

You will also get Rewards points if you refer your friend for Kotak Jifi account .

To know more ,how banking has become social now ,please visit Kotak Official website for Jifi account .
 http://www.kotakjifi.com

Friends this is what I am talking about ,the new world of banking ,where people will not use only social media for chatting , messaging & entertainment ,but they will include their daily overheads & bit complex activities such as banking,shopping,bill payments etc through social media .Today everything will be now just a tweet away .

Kotak Mahindra ,ICICI ,SCB ,Citibank are some leading banks which are promoting  banking activities via social media ,Where in Kotak Jifi & ICICI Pockets are most popular among social media .

We will be waiting for the time ,when we will be able to use Net banking by just logging to our social media account ,like we do IMPS transfers now days  by using mobile banking .