Social media: Potential-Unltimited, Faliure-Prohibited, eBooks-Affirmative

Social Media: Potential-Unlimited

                             Failure -Prohibited

                           eBooks – Affirmative

 

Social media meets the electronic evolution

While some embrace the digital reader technology as an opportunity to open new target markets and create customers, others mourn the old traditional book.

The digital world is taking the world by storm, it seems now literally everything is moving towards the “digital way of doing things.” eBooks are now the talk of the town. Will eBooks kill the traditional reading industry, Libraries? Will eBooks take away the legendary writers such as Shakespeare, wipe out the history of the Quill pen and how it evolved and influenced the Aurora or Omas? Will we, as humans forget how to write, if eBooks are now only being used in our schools? There are so many questions, some that cannot be answered right now.

The thing about the future is that it changes when a decision has been made, so you’ll never know until you try. Is all this change really for the greater good? Nobody knows.

Social Media and the Marketing industry

Social media + Smart Marketing = Loads of Publicity.

On its own, social media has had a huge impact on the traditional ways of marketing and advertising. As we all know by now, consumers are more inclined to buy products or services if their friends or people in their network recommend it and traditional media forms could never offer this ‘Power of the Herd’ in as strong a way as the digital route does.

In the digital realm today, the control of any brands’ reputation lies largely, if not entirely in consumers’ hands. The more powerful a Facebook network is, the greater the power to affect product sales.

Moreover, the power of social media is now no more evident than in the popularity of e-books.  Through social media e-Book writers will have a better overview of the pros and cons of their material, what the consumers think, what to change and make their handiwork more appealing and therefore move their ‘ship’ their books more successfully.

Stephen Booth, International best-selling (and award winning) crime writer, created a series of highly successful novels, yet has gone on to embrace the world of social media and technology in a big way.

He comments: “As an author, you can’t ignore this. We want our books to reach as many readers as possible, and that means making them available in all the formats that people want to read them in. Personally, I like ‘real’ books too, but the format shouldn’t get in the way of the reading experience.

Through social media eBooks can be shared through Facebook, Twitter and even be seen or heard about through Youtube videos, giving the writer far more exposure than they could ever dream of going the ‘road well-travelled’. Authors may also constantly advertise through tabs, links and be commented upon to help build a stronger product and a greater following.

Change is the future

The advantage about using ‘digital’ is that it adapts to the evolving world we live in. Tradition is who we are, our creativity and imagination that will never change, but how we make those ideas come to life, that is what is changing. Digital is in the control of the consumer, which will always have the upper hand against much of the traditional mechanism. This does not mean traditional ways of doing things should be completely overlooked. They still have their place and still offer value if smartly done.

At Digital by Design we have embraced this change. Through skilled professionals, an unlimited amount of passion and a good 15 years of digital experience, we will guide you along your newly found path. Establishing your confidence and grounding your uncertainties.

The power of Social media lies in socializing. Socialize with us, and let us show you, that dreams can really come true.

You can find us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/DigitalByDesignSA

Twitter: @DigitlByDesign

Digital by Design website www.digitalbydesign.co.za

Your Digital evolution is now just a ‘click’ away… Go for it!

FEEL GOOD ABOUT FACEBOOK

The only excuse you’ll ever need to spend time online.

“Okay, point out which of your Facebook friends have AIDS.”

 

We may laugh at the typical ignorance of Europeans when it comes to talking about South Africa but the truth of the matter is, we have the highest number of HIV/AIDS-related deaths in the world. Countless non-profit organisations have sprung up in order to support people in need of antiretroviral, housing and financial-stability during their fight against the infamous and as-yet-incurable virus. Now, they’re becoming social-media savvy and recruiting members the twenty-first-century way; online.

If you search HIV/AIDS on Facebook, hundreds of groups and communities will pop up in a convenient list on your computer screen. Causes, communities, local drives and many more different types of AIDS support mechanisms are embracing how effective social media involvement can be. They’re raising funds, updating their pages with the latest research and advertising worldwide events to spread awareness and reduce ignorance.

And yet, most of these groups are based in the USA. Admittedly, America also has a large number of HIV infections to contend with but they’re coping well and meeting the virus head-on. South Africa, on the other hand, who is in dire need of assistance with educating people on how AIDS spreads and providing treatment to those who can’t afford it, seems to have been largely left behind. Campaigns to rally supporters for drives such as GlennRunns.com, a one-man mission to provide housing for AIDS orphans by running the Comrades Marathon, have a shockingly low number of fans and members.

The reason for this is our cultivated callousness when it comes to talking about HIV/AIDS. We have become so desensitised to the reality of the disease that we completely ignore efforts to decrease its spread across our country. This could be partly due to the idea that we have no way of truly assisting the cause – an idea that has little basis in reality.

Technology has given us all the tools we need to effectively support AIDS awareness without sacrificing any level of personal comfort. All you need to do in order to spread the word about local initiatives is like their Facebook page and share it on your profile. It enables the minimum amount of effort to possibly yield a much larger response. Once people have overcome the mindset that says helping an AIDS cause requires a heart like Mother Teresa’s or a very hands-on and involved approach, the online campaign to keep up-to-date with research developments and local charities trying to aid those in need can begin and probably spread like wildfire. The one thing we all love about social media is how convenient it is – what’s more convenient than liking a Facebook page?

 

Click a button. Post a link. Raise awareness.

 

 

For an entirely unique perspective on all things digital, please feel free to visit our blog:  http://dbdblogs.wordpress.com/

We are also always interested to hear what our friends (both new and old) have to say, so please have the courage to engage with us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/DigitalByDesignSA

 

 

A love experience to share

Saving the Planet through Social Interactivity

COMPANIES can utilise social media to make the world a better place through socially beneficial initiatives.

To begin with, companies now have the available advantage of social media to express their content to a larger audience, more easily than they could have say ten years ago.

GOING GREEN

Most companies these days take the “green” approach, to show people that they are actively contributing to the very planet we live in by reducing their carbon footprint. However, the public at large would be otherwise unaware if it weren’t for cost effective campaigns broadcasting the green initiative, made possible through social media.

ACTS OF CHARITY

Companies can make the world a better place in practically any way by sponsoring one or more charities through social media. Again, social media creates awareness and promotes direct interactivity that other forms of media lack.

BIG PARTIES

Companies can create events that are fun and that would guarantee traffic and interactivity between social groups if the event promised say a weekend event of live music and entertainment, spearheaded by chart-topping performing acts. Common target audiences are identified more easily if say the event was hosted in downtown Johannesburg, because then the content can be pushed by all the youth living in one single city alone simply through sharing, promoting and liking a cool event.

KILLING THREE BIRDS WITH ONE STONE

The best part however, would be to intertwine the aforementioned. Create a social media campaign starting with identifying a gigantic audience that frequents events hosted in the centre of town. Invite the companies in question to sponsor the event, and explain that proceeds and royalties produced by a single event in one weekend will go towards any charity available (be it for rhino poaching, HIV/AIDS treatment, poverty or disease). Proceeds would also go to sponsoring environmental initiatives such as recycling waste materials, or cutting down on detrimental materials like copper or lead for example.

 

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION

Everybody wins in these circumstances: the planet, charities, social groups and the brand awareness of companies.

A concept such as this can flourish through social media because it’s exciting, intriguing, socially beneficial and will guarantee a following so long as events which raise proceeds are entertaining enough for people to want to come back for more; which they will be provided chart-topping performing acts play a partial role in the social media campaign that will ultimately influence a company’s brand awareness.

A company will be remembered, identified and followed should it successfully promise excitement, a clean planet and charitable organisations constantly receiving donations. This can all be made possible and delivered to masses through social media like no other medium could execute.

Furthermore, the more successful the campaign becomes, the more other companies will want to come on board and become part of a phenomenon made possible only through social media.

 

Extra notes:

Companies should take note of this initiative to push their product to a large, defined target audience and become renowned for environmental friendliness, with a charitable bearing and an affiliation to event promotions that draw not only lots of cash, but alot of traffic.

To learn more about being socially-interactive, please feel free to visit our Facebook page at: http://www.facebook.com/DigitalByDesignSA or our blog at: http://dbdblogs.wordpress.com/  At Digital by Design we always love to make new friends and hear what you have to say!

Social Media Hits TV hard

TELEVISION offers us very little in terms of marketing ourselves, especially when compared to the new but fast rising phenomenon of social media.

Since the introduction of social media, the veil covering the concept of what television really is has become increasingly thinner.

 

 

 

COOL AND UNCOOL

The concept of control comes to mind. Television has an iron first of control, exerted to favour the interests of the rich and powerful, i.e. politicians and capitalists. And so it has been for nearly a century. That is not “cool”.

With the introduction of social media; the ability to mass communicate and broadcast is no longer limited to “the man”, but now free to all who choose to use social media. How the public take advantage of social media determines how they can favour their interests. That is cool.

Television is also not always accessible, and certainly not so in the typical working environment. Who keeps televisions in their pockets, purses or satchels anyway? Social media does not suffer that disadvantage what with smart phones and iPads.

 

SOCIAL INTERACTIVITY

Unlike social media, television lacks interactivity, posing as a one way street. After all relationship building is about conversations, which nurture loyalty and support. With social media access forums, there are blogs and portals that are specific to particular content, discussions and reviews. You can also use interactive tools to identify conversations.

 

REACHING A LARGER AUDIENCE

Since we are on the topic of freedom and expression, social media, when implemented correctly reaches a larger target audience. The web allows content to be exposed all over the world at any time whereas television suffers those limitations.

 

ECONIMIC VIABILITY

Thanks to social media we have broken the shackles of oppressive control. We can engage with others cost effectively (because social media is cheap if not free) and convenient in many ways.

 

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION

Consider the phenomenon that far more people are exposed to content on social media rather than television and its advantages in interactivity; and it becomes obvious that expressing a message via social media rather than television is far more viable.

Freedom, convenience and public interest is cool. The iron grip of control from Big Brother in the sky or rather in the television is not. Thanks to YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and the likes, a revolution has begun.

 For more insights into the world of social media and all things ‘digital’ visit our Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/DigitalByDesignSA

The art of acquiring the right kind of ‘social skills’ for social media

You don’t need a smile on your face, a solid hand shake or a casual comment about the weather when dealing with your social media pals. It’s all quite pretentious online, really. Say a bad word out loud at your screen, and then calmly reply to an unhappy client in a dignified and pleasant manner. Pull your tongue at the idiot who wrote a horrible comment on your Facebook wall, and then tell them how you appreciate their input and that you will look into the matter – clearly, the social skills you need for your online endeavours are quite different to the set you use in reality, but they are skills nonetheless and they need to be learned.

So you’re not a very talkative person – who cares! The internet is the only place where you can pour your heart out and not be afraid of the repercussions. People still tend to have some kind of inhibition on platforms where they can’t be seen, for some reason – most definitely an advantage since being ‘social’ plays a major part in social media! Let’s take a look at what you really need to know about your social skills with regard to social media platforms…

According to the experts, it’s very important to get to know your fans and followers personally. Although it might be tougher to do on Twitter it’s important to see them offline, perhaps gather them for a workshop, or arrange a fans day. Photos help in this regard because you’re able to see what your clients are doing and perhaps get to know them a bit better. Getting to know them better means seeing their wants and needs on a more personal basis and giving it to them.

As for being social, you’ll want to mind your manners and be the best host of you wall/page/blog, etc. Have a welcoming design, credible content, and take heed of constructive criticism. Make sure you abide to the Netiquette and be prepared to carry your social media skills into the real world. Make sure clients are able to contact you so that they can be sure of your legitimacy. It’s always nice to know the person who you’re dealing with is in fact a real person even though you can’t see them. Be upfront, state the facts, and don’t do anything ‘dodgy’ to jeopardise your credibility – news spreads fast on the net so you’ve got to be your best person online.

Now that you know a bit about socialising for business purposes using social media, take a look at more of the tips from Digital By Design. Learn the basics of Hash-tagging, content writing, and so much more; and look out for our upcoming e-books that are sure to give all the information you need to launch your very own spectacular social media marketing campaign! Forward any queries or questions to us at info@digitalbydesign.co.za or visit our Facebook page at: http://www.facebook.com/DigitalByDesignSA and we’ll be sure to solve any of your social media dilemmas!

Slang: The New Formal?

Elitists will have you know that it is blatantly inappropriate to have your writing bare any form of colloquial jargon. Linguists, on the other hand, say that language constantly changes and change in written language occurs through the use of slang in speech. So is it okay to sneak in some casual colloquialness or should you push back your shoulders and write with aristocratic approval?

If popularity is the way to tell what people want to read, then reading blogs on a regular basis will give you a very good idea of what you should do (and what’s taboo) in the online writing world. Successful bloggers write eloquently or whit fully with just the right number of words that you won’t find in the dictionary.

In other words, it’s safe to say that readers are the guys you’ll want to please, and since they’re just itching for an entertaining piece to sink their teeth into it’s a great idea to ‘get jiggy’ with your words and get down to their level.

Hop onto the slang band wagon and fire away! You’ll be happy to know (I’m pretty sure) that slang is quite necessary if you’re aiming to captivate your audience and keep them entertained. Don’t overdo it now – getting in a few short phrases or words is all you need.

Entertainment comes at the cost of formality. And formality is slowly becoming a thing of the past. While the Elitists hold on to the last few strings of their boudoir, even scholars have lost touch with it. In fact the term being ‘scholarly’ has taken a total 360 in recent years!

Blame blogging, blame texting, blame bad teaching practices, blame whatever you like; the English language is changing and in the media and marketing field change has got to be embraced. With arms wide open!

We, at Digital by Design, like to keep up with change and new advances in our field. We’ve also decided to keep you informed and perhaps teach you a thing or two about what we do at Digital by Design.

We are in the process of creating e-booklets that will help you understand what you can expect from us, what social media is exactly, and how we can give you online success. From SEO to Twitter and Linked-In basics and so much more, follow our articles and you’ll be sure to learn something interesting. Get tech-savvy with the help of DByD! Visit us on: www.digitalbydesign.co.za or leave us a comment on our Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/DigitalByDesignSA