For many, social media marketing, blogging, and instant messaging all go hand-in-hand. They are all part of what has been coined “Web 2.0”. Web 2.0, according to Wikipedia, is the ‘next generation’ of internet. This includes social networking sites such as LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter, along with blogging (like this blog and http://hostedinstantmessaging.com) and video sharing sites like You Tube. Wikipedia also defines Web 2.0 as ‘hosted applications’ which is exactly what hosted instant messaging is.
Combing you and your organization’s online communication image and efforts with Web 2.0 media is easier than many people think. All it takes is time to set up profiles. There is usually no cost for social networking profiles and many hosted instant messaging programs cost very little.
The most important thing to remember about social networking profiles, blogs, and other online marketing and communication efforts is the fact that they must continue to be maintained. It isn’t enough that they are there; they must continue to be updated in order for potential customers and fans will continue to be reminded and kept up-to-date with their activities.
This is why I continue to update this blog and http://hostedinstantmessaging.com at least 3-4 times per week. I also maintain the twitter profile and the facebook page, mentioned above. These avenues of marketing are a great way to increase communication between you, your clients, and your employees.