Social Media Marketing (SMM) (a.k.a. social media marketing, viral or buzz marketing, community marketing and a few others) is an internet marketing term referring to the promotion of a brand, company, website or blog through social networking sites (e.g. LinkedIn, MySpace, Facebook, etc.) and social web applications (e.g. Digg, Stumbleupon and Twitter, etc.). Smart SMM tactics involve highly evolved content generation that both promotes and encourages user-generated feedback, discussion and viral action (a.k.a. web word-of-mouth).

SMM is a revolutionary marketing practice in that it relies on the contribution of consumers in the shaping of promotions, rather than pushing hard-sell techniques. Social media has allowed consumers to be active participants of a brand’s marketing message - with or without the brand’s blessing. It is a movement from the traditional marketing approach of `communication’ to one that revolves around the unpredictable but very influential `conversation’.

Social Media is often considered a bold move by most companies because they believe they are giving up partial control of marketing to the audience. However, marketing gurus like Joseph Jaffe contend that this is a common misconception because in reality, no one has control of a marketing message. What prevails in today’s market is truth and conversation. Truth is often subjective so companies who use SMM tend to believe strongly their product and/or service is valuable to the consumer.

Social Media Marketing companies usually offer a degree of online reputation management to guard against the odd threat of malicious intention. While the risk can be considered high in SMM, the potential return is even greater. It is market research to the maximum and allows (especially big corporations) a chance to get personal with their consumers. Companies can quickly learn what’s working in their business model and what isn’t, form a relationship with the consumer and solidify loyalty, and exponentially expand their immediate market base.

The Apollo Media Twist:

Relying on Apollo Media’s experienced web marketing and copywriting teams, we focus on captivating copy for our clients. We use viral content, such as in company blogs, in order to engage the readers and encourage them to pass it onto their friends. The content promotes the company but in a way that is unobtrusive and useful for the consumers. Marketing doesn’t seem like marketing with Apollo Media’s social media marketing tactics.

If you’re curious about social media marketing, subscribe to the Apollo Media blog to learn more. And if you should like to consider using SMM in your company promotions, such professional company profiles for SMM accounts or wish to discuss our online reputation development, contact an Apollo web strategist today.