Firstly, I think it’s important to point out that social media are websites or platforms where people connect with other people. It’s really that simple.

There is now a hype surrounding social media marketing and everybody is trying to get on board. Companies have shrunk their budget and are looking on focusing on the cheaper social media marketing. Is social media marketing more effective than any of the other established methods of internet marketing? No one really knows yet. Here are the things that social media can do for you though:

1) Build a Brand – It lets you connect with individuals all day every day that may be interested in your company/website. You can share interesting info/content to targeted people more and more so you build your name, image, and reputation.
2) Create Buzz – With interesting content and connecting with relevant or interested people, you can people to talk and make your company go viral.
3) Connect with customers like never before – Show another side to your business and connect on a more personal level. Build a rapport with your customers and get good feedback from them.
4) Control the message you want to send out, no mass media skewing or 3rd parties distorting the message. You have the ability to communicate on a 1-on-1 basis.
5) No cost really involved. Sure, it can be time consuming but worth every minute.
6) Brand awareness can mean sales down the road through other channels.

So in my humble opinion social media marketing does work and is very important in your overall marketing strategy. Should it be your only source or marketing channel? No. But tying it in with SEO, search engine marketing, banner advertising, video advertising, forums, and other tactics is important and can be very effective.