For all too many months I spoken with experts of all sorts, good ones, bad ones and those that fall between. When it comes to Indianapolis Social Media Marketing, I run into people all the time that say they are social media experts or even just social media consultants or maybe as simple as a social media guy. I am writing this post to say that I have my doubts about you.
I spend the majority of my time in Indianapolis, I live here and the majority of our clients are in Indianapolis so this makes it real easy to do. I meet people often that claim social media titles of various kinds. I even run into other marketing and design companies that say that they are adding “social media” as one of their services. Sometimes I think they are “legit” as they say. Other times I just don’t know that they really know what they are talking about.
Buyer beware – If marketing is not one of the core services than social media is just a buzz word. No single tactic is useful without coming from the approach of marketing a product based on a targeted demographic and good messaging. Marketing takes understanding how people react, creativity with the use of the chosen tools and some cooperation from the “non marketing” parts of the business. Social media happens to be a great tool to deliver a message IF there is a message to deliver. A Facebook Page is a great place to invite people IF it is a resource, If you have something to see, or read, or find out. Above all, these things work best when they are not isolated to themselves.
If I were writing this post 7 years ago, I would be talking about websites, or before that I might have been talking about email or direct mail. The fact is, all of the above are still today a valid tools for marketing a good product, but none of them are marketing. Marketing is a verb and in my opinion it is the appropriate use of tools to deliver message, interact and respond to those that might be influenced and / or influence others to purchase your product. Marketing is not in itself sneaky, it is necessary, if you are not “engaging” you are not dishonest, you are just missing out.
No matter what you do, put together a good plan for marketing your business. Consider the collection of tools and methods you will use and certainly consider those that are modern and help you to connect with your audience in real time. Just make sure for peat sake that you don’t expect a thousand tweets and a facebook page… or a website… or an email list… or direct mail… or whatever – to provide all your answer.
16 Responses and Counting...
Great thoughts. It seems like today EVERYONE is that social media expert. I have followed you for a bit and you are one of those social media experts!
Couldn’t find a picture of an ass? Or were you just trying to be kind of nice?
[...] of mine, Daniel Herndon, who owns an Indianapolis marketing company. Daniel’s post entitled, Indianapolis Marketing vs Indianapolis Social Media, talks about the importance of understanding social media as part of a tool kit instead of a stand [...]
Planning, development, building goals, and delivering on promises is fundamental to every aspect of business. This is nothing new. People have been struggling with the implementation of ideas since “marketing” was defined as a concept. If an individual (or company) has a hard time implementing an idea, Facebook Page, or direct mail campaign… either help them… or move on.
If a marketing, social media, interactive, or website design firm cannot prove to you a return on investment either by case studies… by the numbers… or past clients…
Find someone else…
Who cares how the tool is defined?
I posted the rest of my reply at > http://kylelacy.com/social-media-arguments-get-old/
Glad someone finally said it. Everywhere you look, there’s a new social media expert. Just b/c you played on facebook all through college doesn’t make you an expert.
Nice post Daniel. There are numerous examples of agencies who have adapted by adding social media as well as individuals. The challenges companies have is evaluating the people or consultants they are working with. . . which they should be doing already.
I’d worried if I worked with a social media “samurai” or “scientist.” The goofy titles have to go.
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by John Lichtenberger, Law Marketing Cat. Law Marketing Cat said: Marketing vs Social Media http://bit.ly/9mQXW1 [...]
Kyle, Thanks for the “argument” and “props” all combined. You’re absolutely right – I had the same debate with someone on FB about weather a certain band is hardcore or not (as the “scene” kids split hairs while failing to deliver on what they really are supposed to).
James, if you look closer, it is an ass with a dyed coat. This is similar to how many social media experts are also posers.
All in good fun, but seriously…
Awesome.
Thanks Daniel. I’m a little slow sometime. I get it now.
Love your thoughts. Social Media is nothing more than noise if not part of a solid foundation.
Daniel,
You have a valid point. I see what you are saying. The crazy thing about calling yourself an “expert” is all you have to do is claim the title.
The truth test to me is when I meet people who say they are “marketing” experts is how do they generate business? The best marketing guys generate tons of business from marketing their business. It seems many people who claim to be in the marketing business are actually in the web and graphic design.
My two cents!
John, You hit it right on the head. Thanks for your feedback.
Daniel,
It doesn’t matter the field of endeavor, everyone is an “expert.” Don’t believe me? Ask a teenager! In all seriousness though, you make an important distinction here: social media does not equal marketing.
In most cases, the people hiring a “social media expert” are REALLY looking for a marketing professional capable of tactically leveraging social media (i.e. multiple social mediums) to carry out a larger strategic objective.
I am not so caught up or aggravated by the abundance of “experts” (Heaven knows that one’s been beaten to death), as much as I am frustrated by companies’ apparent lack of clear marketing objectives and vetting processes when making a “hiring” decisions relative to social media.
Enjoyed it. Thanks!
Thanks Brian. SM is not just for marketing – Twitter is also perfect for internal company memos. just a thought.
After all the buzz words. Marketing is marketing is marketing! Does it work?