The Social Media Disconnect

Forbes recently reported on a study titled “Variance in the Social Brand Experience,” by The CMO Council and Lithium.  The study showed the disconnect between companies and potential customers using social media sites. 

It was found that 67% of consumers connected with brands on social media sites in order to receive some kind of discount or exclusive offer.  In other words, they expected to be “compensated” for their loyalty to your brand. 

When asked why they connect on Facebook and other social networks, 65% cited “games, contests and promotions.”

When asked what new ways they are using social media this year, 79% mentioned taking advantage of special offers and discounts.

When business marketers were asked what it means when a customer “engages or ‘likes’ your brand, looking for “deals” didn’t even make the top three reasons on the list.

In order for brands to successfully use social media to market to consumers, companies need to understand what their potential customers are actually looking for. If your customers are on social media sites hoping for a special deal, then perhaps you should give it to them.

What kind of content do you have on your social media sites?  Do you offer deals and discounts?

alison

Alison has worked with clients of all sizes, from sole proprietors to television networks and financial institutions, including HBO, CBS, Showtime, Charles Schwab, and The Body Shop. In her career at DoubleClick, Google, and Infogroup, she learned social media, email marketing, SEO, and web design from the people inventing the standards. She makes a mean flourless chocolate cake.