Do you remember when we used to sit at our computers waiting (for what seemed like forever) for our dial-up connection? For the pages to load? for games to load? We seemed to put everything on hold so that we could connect to the internet and explore everything it had to offer, even if it meant putting our lives on hold so that we could wait to dial-in, or reconnect after someone tried phoning us which kicked us off the connection (how thoughtless), or someone picked up the phone (double thoughtless), etc. It was painful but life was better when we could escape, even for a few minutes here and there.
Fast forward to present day where we don't have to wait, for anything. Instant connections, wifi, take a call and surf the net at the same time - FaceTime if you want. We get what we want, when we want it (and we wanted it yesterday).
This is what many brands are missing. Many companies understand the importance of marketing themselves through various channels, but where they lose many potential followers is in their ability to be available 24/7/365. We live in a world where we get things NOW. If we have to wait, for anything, we leave, and chances are...we don't come back.
Social Media is the key to connecting real-time with your audience, wherever they may be. What is most important is to understand that when they follow you, give you a review, ask a question - interact on any level - you need to be there to respond and recognize their efforts. Whether it is a like, a share, a reply, a favourite, they want to feel heard. Social media allows for not only your audience, but you and I to feel validated instantly.
For example, think of the last time you received a "like" or a "share" on Twitter or Facebook - it felt good didn't it? Someone else cared enough and enjoyed your comment, picture, video, etc, enough to do something to alert you of their enjoyment/appreciation. Research has shown that a "like" or "share" gives us the exact same feeling as a hug. So if you could give others a great feeling as though they received a hug, wouldn't you? That's the ultimate thank you!
So before moving forward in the digital realm, remember that one of the simplest and most important elements of marketing your brand and creating loyalty, is by recognizing opinions, and the engagement of those who are looking to connect with your brand online.
