For my project - Thesis Proposal Example

Implications of Social Media on Marketing ment of Problem Information and communication technologies have continued to advance from time to time. The twenty first century has been characterized by the use of the social media. Individuals have not only used social networks but also it has profound effects on businesses and corporations. Businesses have gone ahead to devise strategies that will facilitate their utilization of this digital marketing opportunity (Jaffrey, 2011). Before adopting any strategy, the organization has to weigh its implications to ensure there is a return on investment.

It is not all rosy engaging in social media marketing if the right factors are not put into consideration. Therefore, there is need to understand the implications of social media in marketing in order to make the right interventions that will result to a return on investment.Objectives1. To find out how successful has the social media been in marketing.2. To elucidate the challenges associated with social media marketing.3. To understand the specific role of social media marketing in the business world today4.

To develop recommendations on social media use in marketingBenefits of social Media in MarketingThere has been exponential growth in the use of social media by people of all ages. However, some age groups are more active in social media than others are. This has created a huge online traffic that can easily be targeted by businesses in need of selling their brands (Chou et al., 2009). While interpersonal communication has been tremendous through the social media, there is also a big opportunity for businesses to develop strategies that target different groups of people in order to market their products and services.

Being a side activity by the social networks, social media marketing is relatively cheaper compared to other advertising strategies. Marketing through the social media serves as a better method of communicating to the customers since it happens at their own convenience. Social media has been applauded for its capability for brand positioning, hence attracting the potential customers. According to the social media marketing report of 2013, marketers have recognized exposure and increased traffic as top two benefits (Stelzner, 2013).

Challenges of Social Media MarketingThere are a myriad of challenges that are encountered by marketers in an attempt to reach the market through the social media. Firstly, the followers in a social media platform are not necessarily customers, therefore there is need to convert them into customers. Another issue that comes up is the creation of online content that is capable of attracting the attention of the potential customers. The diversity in the social networks also presents difficulties in reaching to the customers.

A marketer would like to use all the available networks so as to reach as many people as possible. However, this is cumbersome and tedious. Roles of Social Media in MarketingA number of things can be done through the social media that will ensure that the customers are reached. Firstly, the company can engage in doing direct sales through the social media, however, that is not all; there are other things that can be given focus to ensure short term and long-term sales are assured. Secondly, the company can engage in developing the brand equity, this means that people will be much aware of the brand and it will have a good image in the eyes of the public (Keller, 2003).

Thirdly, social media can be used to create a brand identity, tis involves distinguishing the product from the rest by depicting its strengths and uniqueness. Finally, social media can be used for brand positioning (Jaffrey, 2011). ConclusionSocial networks have made a huge contribution in marketing through the many benefits derived thereof such as cost saving, reaching huge traffic and convenience among others. The role of this type of marketing is to increase direct sales, enhance brand identity, promote brand equity, and facilitate brand positioning.

However, challenges such as converting followers into customers are experienced.ReferencesChou, W. S. et al. (2009). Social Media use in the United States: Implications for heath Communication. Retrieved on 11 January 2014 from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2802563/ Jaffrey, J. (2011). Social Media and Marketing. Retrieved on 11 January 2014 from http://kth.diva-portal.org/smash/get/diva2:466632/FULLTEXT01.pdfKeller, K. L. (2003). Strategic Brand Management. New Jersey: Pearson Education, Inc.

Stelzner, M. A. (2013). 2013 Social Media Marketing Industry Report. Retrieved on 11 January 2014 from http://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/SocialMediaMarketingIndustryReport2013.pdf