Where Does SMM Live?

A new research study by StrongMail finds that Social Media Marketing is a major priority for marketers in the second half of 2009. Companies surveyed responded that they will be increasing spending on SMM and email marketing and working to integrate the two channels.

Makes sense, but Social Media Marketing has connections within a number of different marketing channels. SMM can be considered a part of PR, or be used as a direct marketing tool. I’ll bet in large corporations there are ongoing discussions about where SMM should fit. Should it be the responsibility of direct marketing? Public Relations? Web and eCommerce? Have its own department (please, no!)?

As with all marketing elements, the key is integration. How will Social Media Marketing fit in with the other parts of your plan? This is where the hard questions come.

However before we get there: If your business doesn’t have an integrated marketing plan in place for 2009, email me at genius@geniusmarketing.com immediately. Any business of any size needs to work through these issues, and I can inexpensively get you going on an actionable plan in very little time. So do it.

Now, back to our regularly scheduled blog. For those of you that have a marketing plan, how integrated is it? Does the proverbial left hand of marketing know what the right hand of sales is doing? How are leads tracked to understand by which channel the lead found you? Are you measuring effectiveness of each marketing element?

And on SMM: what is the role of your social media? What is the goal of your blog, email newsletter, facebook/twitter/linkedin strategy? How does SMM integrate with your marketing mix, calls to action and resulting sales process?

Don’t be overwhelmed!!! These and more integration questions can be answered through some simple exercises from our Marketing Coach program. And your SMM strategy is just a click or two away through the Geek Ambassador webinar series or her DIY starter kit.

So 2009 part two To Do’s:

. Integrate your marketing and sales activities

. Develop a SMM strategy

. Integrate SMM with your other marketing elements

Let us know how we can help... email me at genius@geniusmarketing.com to set up a time to talk.

SLE