Social Media 101

This Ad Age article is a simple run through of social media, who you should do it with some good case studies. if you’re involved in any way with social media, there’s nothing in there that is a surprise, but there are still so many people in the industry who have not come across these tactics or are extremely unsure of them. In summary:

• traditional media advertising gets talked about, chopped up and used in ways you don’t expect
• You can’t control what is talked about and what the customers say once it’s out there.
• You can, however, join in the conversation and get involved. you may be able to influence it and redirect misconceptions.
• if you do this in the right way, you’ll get a benefit

They mention three good cast studies, Dupont, Stop and Shop and Häagen-Dazs. Well worth a read, especially for some information to back up arguments you may have with sceptics.