I just finished a couple interesting articles on Social Media Marketing and why it is key to a successful marketing campaign or IBP process. The initial article takes a look at Dairy Queen and how they are using Social Media Marketing to enhance the current position for the brand. The second one covers five good reasons for using Social Media Marketing.

I could not agree more with the sentiment for integrating Social Media and Web 2.0 cost-effectively into existing marketing plans, advertising plans, and tying it all together within the very core of the brand’s online presence.  Accomplishing this in-house sounds daunting to many managers, but with a little work you will be amazed at the consumers your brand is able to reach.  Your customers are already there, so why is your brand waiting?

Low Cost:
Nuts and bolts you are looking for the following in order to develop a simple approach to your brand’s Social Media and Web 2.0 connection with customers.

• You need a website for your brand’s online presence to be coordinated through, that requires a couple of things.
  • First, you need a domain name for your brand, simple and tied to the essence of your brand.
  • Then you need a place to host your site, a server.  No more than $15 to $25 a month should take care of your server hosting and that will include the databases that run your WordPress CMS (Content Management System) and, if desired, your forum software to further engage your customers and drive customer service for your brand.

WordPress is a free program with an extremely intuitive interface, which when combined with a little help in the initial direction, you will be up and running strong in no time flat.  Remember, you have a bevy of Social Network at your disposal to facilitate situations for engaging your customers to build even stronger bonds while simultaneously introducing your brand to their contacts as well.  They can share your business with their friends and acquaintances through Facebook or Myspace with a couple clicks of their mouse.

The real key to success with Social Media and Web 2.0 is getting started.  Early adopter’s of the new technology into their industry secure a competitive advantage of their most immediate competitors.