Organizational Uses

According to Harvard Business Review, among 2,100 companies that were surveyed, 79% indicated that they were using or planned on using social media channels. However, of that 79%, only 12% felt that they were using them in an effective way. With social media growing in popularity, one may wonder why this is. Though the study offered several explanations, Harvard emphasized that many organizations either did not understand how to use social media or did not understand the importance in doing so.

The following are a few examples of organizations that have used social media to their benefit. One of the first steps to transforming your business or firm is to see the practical application and benefits. Perhaps the example of these companies will provide insight and ideas for an organization that you are a part of.

Rather than relying solely on realtors for business, Martell Homes Builders have been able create a direct connection with their customers. Not only do they use their website and Facebook page to showcase their homes, but they also share tips and advice for home-buyers through their blog. Easily viewed on their website homepage are links to their accounts on the following platforms: YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. So, what is so great about this organization?

To first thing is that they post things regularly. Some of the things that they publish are a more light-hearted, and while this is not essential, it shows the culture and attitude of the company as being one that is friendly and relaxed. The following are posts from their Facebook page.

20 PHOTOS OF REAL ESTATE AGENTS THAT CAN'T BE REAL (BUT ARE)

DON'T BELIEVE THE HYPE:

HOME BUILDING MYTHS DEBUNKED

What really makes Martell Home Builders stand out in the social media realm is their use of social proof. Throughout the different platforms that they employ, they focus on having positive customer feedback in clear sight and easily accessible. Additionally, clients are able to share information by sharing what this organization has shared through Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. Not only are they creating an opportunity for customer feedback, but they also keep their clientele well informed, treating them as friends.

Another company that successfully uses social media is Zappos. This online shoe company places a special emphasis on the relationship that they have with their customers. This can be illustrated by one of their well-known sayings: "Let's be in a Like-Like relationship".

Not only does this organization give emphasis to treating their clients as equals, but they also use social media tools to roll out the red carpet and make customers feel valued. One example of this can be seen through their Facebook page. Once individuals have "Liked" Zappos, they are then able to view more content, such as exclusive content, videos and special promotions.

Keeping inline with their efforts to create positive relationships with their customers, Zappos uses Facebook to have a "Fan of the Week". They encourage individuals to take photos with their Zappos boxes and send them to the company for a chance to be featured on their page. Pictures are selected by customer voting, which encourages individuals to visit their page frequently.

Remember to make your customers and followers the stars. As we can see from Zappos example, it does not take a billion-dollar corporation to build positive customer relations through social media.

Though only two examples, this may be a great starting point as you seek to improve your organization or sphere of influence. Social media is a vital part of the business world today and ignoring it can only hurt your organization.