It works, it really works!

Well, well, well...what do you know, apparently this social media "fad" is actually working.  Whoduthunkit?!  I had to laugh a bit when I read this article in the Denver Post this morning.  Here's a quick preview, check out the link to read the entire story.

Social media websites strengthened holiday season for retailers

By Steve Raabe
The Denver Post

Posted: 12/29/2009 01:00:00 AM MST

Updated: 12/29/2009 02:04:02 AM MST

(Thomas McKay, Denver Post illustration; photo by Justin Sullivan, Getty Images)

Holiday retail sales might have staved off a visit from the Grinch thanks in part to social media.
Nearly half of U.S. retailers polled in a pre-holiday national survey said they intended to increase their use of social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter during the Christmas shopping season.
"Social media has allowed for a very efficient, low-cost way for retailers to communicate directly with their best customers on exclusive sales and offers," said Clay McDaniel, co-founder of Seattle-based marketing firm Spring Creek Group.

Here's my quick take.  Businesses everywhere are still learning how to effectively use social media, but they're starting to figure out at least a few things.  More than the bump in sales due to social media sites, what I found particularly interesting in the article was a mention of "Dominoes Pizza" and their use of social media to not only get feedback from their customers, but then to market the changes made based directly off that feedback. 

Right now, it looks like most companies are using the social media sites in conjunction with direct marketing and advertising strategies.  For most small businesses and non-profits, major advertising and direct marketing plans are financially out of reach.  That leaves you with a social media/public relations partnership that is much more affordable, AND can be more target specific so you don't end up wasting time and money directing your message to people who don't, and won't ever, care about your product or service.

Still, the article is heartening because it shows that social media campaigns can, and do, have a tangible positive impact on an organizations' bottom line.  Be assured that these companies learned a valuable lesson about social media this holiday season and will continue to expand their online profile throughout the year and will be even more actively involved in social media campaigns next November and December. 

Your small business and non-profit will benefit from this as more and more consumers are driven online by major corporations for information on products and services.  While they're there, it's likely consumers will do a little shopping to find that perfect gift or service to buy for their loved ones.