Lancashire firms 'need to have conversations with consumers'

11:11 11th December 2009

Companies in Lancashire have been urged to have conversations with consumers when using online marketing.

Jason Falls, consultant and blogger at socialmediaexplorer.com, said this was particularly true when promoting through networking sites from Twitter to Facebook.

He explained that the concept of actively engaging consumers is alien to some firms, as "they've been taught for decades to yell at them" through promotions in order to catch their attention.

Such tactics no longer work with consumers through the internet, he added, which means marketers need to take a look at their plans and consider how they can "act like human beings".

Mr Falls added that while social media can help companies do this, it will not provide an immediate return on investment.

"Mass media still moves the needle faster. It just doesn't move the needle better," he outlined.

"Quality always loses to quantity when you're looking at quarter-to-quarter gains."

Econsultancy's Social Media and Online PR report found that 64 per cent of firms have experimented with network platforms, while Twitter is now the most widely adopted tactic.

However, half of firms have claimed a lack of resources is hindering their efforts to market through social media.

Related internet marketing news stories

Blogs 'can do wonders' for companies in Lancashire2009-12-09 11:43:27Businesses across Lancashire that are looking to boost their online presence should consider using blogs, an expert has claimed.Writing for Econsultancy, Kevin Gibbons claimed that the use of such platforms... Full story

 

Lancashire firms 'must be patient with social marketing'2009-12-07 10:49:14Companies in Lancashire have been urged to show patience when using online marketing channels such as social media.Jason Falls, a consultant and blogger on socialmediaexplorer.com, has claimed that one... Full story

 

Retailers 'turning to online marketing channels'2009-12-03 11:04:41High street and online retailers across the UK are embracing online marketing channels such as Twitter as they look to boost sales over the festive period, according to an expert.Duncan Woolston, an analyst... Full story