Traditionally, the content and frequency of marketing programs was the exclusive domain of external agencies such as advertising and marketing research firms. However, with the advent of social media, it has become possible to use web-based technology to encourage interactive communication. This is often referred to as consumer generated media, because it is driven by end-users. Social media marketing is therefore, the method by which businesses utilize social online media channels, to connect with their target markets.

Social media marketing also involves social media optimization or SMO. It is referred to in this way, because its emphasis is on achieving website optimization, which is the process of improving a site’s visibility on the web. Social media includes social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, MySpace, blogs, video sharing such as YouTube, social bookmarking sites like Digg, Reddit, presentation sharing, photo sharing and the ever popular Meetup website. It is also synonymous with Social Network Marketing. This involves the use of social networking sites to market products and services, as well as to engage in public relation activities.

By using a technique known as viral marketing, marketers are able to use these websites to improve product sales, and increase brand awareness. This marketing method is referred to as being viral because in essence, it is passed from person to person, via the social network sites. Text messages, images, video clips, and games, are just some of the tools used in viral marketing promotions. The success of a viral marketing program is dependent on targeting and focusing on people with large social networks, who have a significant influence on their network. This will ensure that the advertising message gains optimum visibility.

Social media marketing is increasingly being seen by business owners, as an important part of their integrated marketing program, which can assist them in growing their business. Studies indicate that business owners, who commit a minimum of 6 hours per week on social marketing programs, have been able to generate at least 50% more exposure for their business. Along with this, they have been able to attract more traffic to their website, gain qualified leads, and create new business partnerships.

To get started with social media marketing, you will of course have to join one of the top social media sites. In an April 2010 Social Media Marketing Report by Michael Stelzner, experienced marketers identified Twitter as their number one social networking platform, with blogs following closely in second place. For beginner marketers, Facebook is ranked as their number one choice closely followed by Twitter and LinkedIn.

One important way in which you can maximize the benefit of using a social networking site, is to build relationships. If you are using Twitter, for example, you can start seeking out the top tweeters in your niche and even in your local area. Having identified these people, you can then begin participating in discussions, and become involved in the promotion of important events and products. Also make sure to respond to tweets, and encourage retweeting as much as possible.

Other benefits to be derived from social marketing effectively include getting marketing feedback, as well as linking with key players in the industry. These links will of course be cross-cultural, as well as international and will therefore extend your market penetration.

Social network marketing is very consumer focused. Through the use of social media, it is possible to put the spotlight on what people need, rather than on persuading them to buy something that you have already produced. The feedback you get is able to guide your product development, and focus your marketing efforts on what is important to your bottom line.

Social Marketing Traffic

Learning the skills to research and leverage the social media space is a very important part of setting up your traffic system. With Social media, you are able to use microblogging platforms like Twitter as well as online communities like Squidoo and Facebook to grow your outreach and target your targeted markets quickly and easily.

While you are a marketer first, friend second, you want to form a personal connection with your target audience. Here are some of the best social communities to get involved with: Twitter: Friend Feed: Facebook: Stumble Upon: Del.icio.us: MySpace.

Article Marketing Traffic

The concept of article marketing is a very simple one: You write high quality content and distribute it amongst popular article databases and directories online, generating tons of traffic from the back links in the attached resource box. It really is as simple as that.

Think about it, writing a 1,000 articles that don’t convert, versus 12 that do, which one would you choose. If you rush your articles without conducting some keyword research and coming up with articles that consist of a solid headline, fluid content and no call to action, not allowing the reader to click the links within your resource boxes, leaving the article directory itself to find out, you are literally throwing money away.

If these readers fail to follow through, your article was for nothing. You should think of your resource box as a 20 second commercial. What is the strongest message that you can use to motivate your readers to click on your link?
If you are not sure what you can offer within your resource box, here are a few things I have used successfully for over a year now:

- A Free Report
- Subscription to your newsletter
- A free eBook
- A free sample of your product
- A Free Membership
- A Free Video Guide
- A audio transcript or call

Forum Marketing: Quick Back Link Strategy

Forum marketing is probably the easiest ways to generate quality back links to your website (higher ranking in the search engines), as well as potential subscribers and customers. .Don’t burst onto the scene, spamming all the threads “me, too!” responses, because before long your find yourself banned or simply ignored. start off helpful, share tips, resources and information, approach forum marketing as you would approach social networking, by offering help and building your brand.

Viral Marketing: Spread It Like Wild Fire

You’ve most likely heard of Viral Marketing, but might not really know how to set up a Viral marketing campaign that is likely to go viral, basically being carried from person to person, eager and willing to share your website link with friends, family and online acquaintances. Creating a viral marketing campaign is nowhere near as difficult as most people believe, and can yield an impressive return on investment if you do it correctly. Here are a few simple ideas to help you set up a viral marketing campaign of your own:

#1: Offer Incentives Viral marketing always works best when a valuable product or service (including tangible items) are offered.

#2: Be Incredibly Different If you want to generate a buzz around your website.

#3: Run A Contest Or Challenge One of the easiest ways to create a viral campaign.

#4: Save People Time & Money
Consider creating a package that you can give away with resell rights.

Squidoo, HubPages, Blogs – Instant Traffic

There are three tools that I use to instantly generate traffic to my website, at absolutely no cost, and they are: Hub Pages: Squidoo Lens: Blogs: & Blogger.

Here are a few tips to help you create your first
Hub:

#1: Use ORIGINAL content only!

#2: Add modules to your HubPages for additional revenue.

#3: Add links with your keywords within your hub page content, leading to your websites, blogs and landing pages. Add at least two text capsules.

#4: Do NOT post affiliate links within your HubPages

#5: Add fans to your hub and be active within the community and its sub groups.

#6: Encourage RSS subscriptions to build a following and expand your outreach.

Press Releases: Quick Traffic Bursts

Press Releases are one of the easiest ways of getting your message in front of thousands of prospects in your target market very quickly, as well as picking up affiliates and potential JV partners. You want to make sure your press release appears to be news, rather than an advert. The back links that a press release creates is phenomenal, I have seen a huge surge of traffic literally within minutes of the press release being published, and months later, I was still receiving traffic from the circulation of that press release. What you do need to be careful of is that you model your press release so that it provokes an emotional response in your viewers. Your press release title should be no longer than 150 characters in length.