February 13, 2012 
10 COMMENTSSocial media has itself created a revolution worldwide, where brands and consumers can connect directly around content and conversation. This revolution has changed the way brands market, as well as how they deal with prospects and customers in many ways.
The change has allowed consumers to take a much more active role in shaping everything about their favorite brands methods and tactics.
We have seen social media solidifying its place within larger brands and now small and medium businesses are also adopting it at a fast pace. We have also seen how content sharing has become the center point of social activity, sparking the conversations and leading to deeper relationships. Social media has given content “the” platform that enables it to be seen by far more people, shared and consumed more effectively than previously imagined.
The second wave of the content revolution is content creation. Now of course we have had content creation even before social media became what it is today, however I believe social media is migrating again to raise the level and the requirement of content creation to new heights. The next coming requirement for all brands, marketers and individuals using social media for marketing will have to develop an effective strategy of consistent, relevant and engaging content.
As more and more consumers join both mainstream platforms like Facebook andTwitter, as well as more specialized networks like Linkedin and Pinterest, more and more content is being consumed. The growing demand by consumers for more fresh, interesting and relevant content is only going to continue to scale. The ever increasing noise as a result of this growing volume is going to put more and more pressure on brands and marketers of all sizes to consistently put out fresh, unique content. When I say all sizes, I mean the local mom and pop restaurant, all the way through International brands.
Some larger brands have a significant advantage in some aspects in this next phase of social media content. With substantial budgets, numerous ad campaigns already in place and larger resources, they are going to best execute to this growing need. Small/Local businesses and/or their social media agencies will have to become experts in content creation or at least allocate financial resources to the endeavor if they are going to compete and win
What should you take from this post? Start shifting your planning toward content creation. If you are a social media agency, start putting consulting and creation options in place that help your clients move in this direction now, so they are leading in the space. Develop solutions that enable your firm to capture more revenue, while covering this aspect for your clients.
Very soon it will not just be about having a presence in the social graph and sharing relevant content, but also about consistently developing your own fresh, unique content that your audience will value and share. A commitment to doing it and then executing it is not cheap, but it is a lot less expensive than being left in the dust by your competition!
Must have consistent content creation types for ALL businesses will be:
1) Blog – Yes many have them now, but being consistent with frequency and a strategy that caters to your audience and not just your company information is required. Focus on what it is your audience wants. Give it to them in creative ways that keep them coming back for more.
2) Video Content – Not just a YouTube Channel of your company product videos, but relevant, fresh content surrounding your audiences interests. Entertaining, humorous, relevant.
3) Photo’s – Look for unique ways to bring photo’s and images into your content stream. The birth of Pinterest has once again highlighted the need for content creation that delivers value to your audience. Again, you need to be creative with your photo’s to make them relevant and interesting. Tell stories, moments with customers, humanize your brand and entertain in order to capture your audiences attention. Create graphics from regular photo’s to extend the reach.
Again, content creation is going to be a requirement for all brands, large or small to compete. Start planning now and lead in this revolution.
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