“Social media is here. It’s not going away; not a passing fad. Be where your customers are: in social media.” - Lori Ruff
If your the average person using Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, for the sole basis of socializing with your friends and family, your in for a big mistake. Let me get straight to the point...all social media are advertising platforms. The only reason why Facebook and YouTube allow you to use their service is because your attention is their paycheck. You are their customer.
Major companies like Nike and Microsoft pay social media platforms to advertise their content to You. If you fail to understand this, then your going to be susceptible to the persuasive techniques used by social media. Haven't you ever wondered why Facebook are always changing their algorithm, it's to fine tune their ability to influence it's users and please their advertisers. It's so obvious!
Social Media has coined a new marketing term called 'Influencer Marketing'. This type of marketing isn't new. It's just a form of marketing within social media that is based on word of mouth. For example, if a celebrity you follow on Instagram recommends a product, your more likely to buy that product because of your bias towards the celebrity you follow.
Instagram is the best platform where 'Influencer Marketing' has the most success. Basically, a company pays a public figure to be either a sponsor or affiliate. Based on the conversion of how well they market the product/brand in their Instagram post, will determine how well they are paid.
When you follow or like a post on Social Media, you are inevitably paying the company with your attention. Every click, share, and video you watch on YouTube, you are paying that content creator for their content. Once you realize this, I'll hope it will make you understand the world of marketing, and use their techniques for your own benefit!
