Over the past thirty years, the United States has seen mind-boggling advancements in technology. In 1984, only 8 percent of U.S. households had a personal computer, the internet was virtually unheard of, and cellphones were gigantic. That was the year LeBron James and Katy Perry were born.
Fast-forward to 2018, computers have gone a long way. Now, advancements in technology allowed people to carry their computers wherever they go. They have even found a way to integrate cell phones and computers: smartphones.
About two-thirds of the world’s population (nearly 290 million of these are based in the United States) of 7.6 billion now have a mobile phone, which is a much smaller and “smarter” device compared to cellphones sold 30 years ago.
Based on the new 2018 Global Digital Suite reports from We Are Social and HootSuite, there are approximately 4 billion people around the world using the internet. That means more than half of the world’s population is now online. In addition, almost a quarter of a billion new users came online for the first time in 2017.
Social Media in Perspective
Communication in the new millennium is much easier, thanks to social media, the collective of online communications channels dedicated to community-based input, interaction, content-sharing and cooperation.
Social Media is inescapable. It never sleeps. With non-stop mobile notifications and email updates, screen pop-ups, and other calls that require action, taking moments without them can seem almost impossible.
Many companies think that this is good for business and take advantage of this technology. It provides a greater exposure for your website, which is a step closer to your ultimate goal. Your website should be at the forefront of everything digital. You can use your existing social media outlets to work in sync with your goal by posting links, media, and other content that will soon redirect traffic back to your website. Well, that’s way better than relying solely on external and traditional mediums.
Digital Marketing and Its Advantages
TV advertisements, newspaper ads, and radio are now almost a thing of the past, in terms of making your personal brand known. Let’s face it — people usually change the channels once ads start displaying on their TVs.
These days, almost everyone owns a smartphone or a laptop or a desktop; and an average person spends more than 4 hours per day on their digital devices. Digital marketing is a way in which more and more people get exposed to your brand.
The internet is a platform to make your voice be heard. By uploading original video content on YouTube, writing blogs, doing digital surveys, people find a way to make money. These are by no means ‘real’ businesses, but revenue is generated by their talents. More and more companies want their ad to be displayed on the side of such videos or online content. So, people don’t have to start a business to earn money. All they have to do is discover what they’re good at, write about it or make a video about it — and voila, advertisers begin posting their ads on their channels.
Keeping Up with the Modern World of Communication
Without a doubt, social media and digital marketing are the fastest and most effective ways for organizations to connect with their target audience. But how can you do that?
Consult a Professional
Social media can be overwhelming, even for the one who uses it daily on a personal level. Meet with someone who specializes in social media for business leaders. A professional can easily evaluate where you stand, give you relevant information and advice, and help you walk on the right digital path.
Make Your Personality Known
People want to connect with the people they know something about. Social media is a great way to directly collaborate with people all over the world in an easy, casual, and relaxed way.
Know and Create Rules
It is imperative that you know the best practices for what you should and should not post online. This will help guard you against offensive posts. Remember: thinking should come before clicking.
There’s a huge difference between responding and responding inappropriately to the moment. There are some ideas and thoughts that are better left to the news people. If you’re unsure about a post, ask for a second opinion.
Social media and digital marketing offer you the ability to directly interact and connect with your prospective customers. The more linked you are on all social media outlets, the more benefits you’ll reap.