In the dreaded five year phase of the start-up business, there can be a great deal of uncertainty when it comes to unveiling a promotional product on the internet. A company can never be totally sure how the public will react, and in the worst case scenario, a small business might fold completely if a product does not launch successfully. Many business owners forget the importance of testing products within their target demographic before making a online debut.
There are several efficient ways to test the market without spending a lot of money. The internet is an incredible resource for many things, and can be used to generate feedback about an initial design. Using social media is key to getting quality responses – companies can create polls or contests that offer personalized gifts as a reward for the most significant feedback. The internet is an easy way to hit every demographic at once, and by having reviewers fill out specific information, a business can figure out where it is generating the most buzz.
While it might cost more to organize, a creative social media page can cement a brand as reputable through the use of real-world examples. Such sites are easily adaptable into print, television or web format. It is also very easy to link everything together. A Twitter account can be used to generate buzz about a poll that opened on a company’s blogging website, which in turn can link to a Facebook page announcing new promotional items. The idea is to form an unified brand image across the social media network.
There are some specific guidelines to follow when creating a social media site. As with any other promotional product, a webpage needs to stand out from the competition. It should be concise and to the point, and remain relevant to the service being offered. There should also be a friendly tone throughout the site, avoiding any sort of negativity. It is very important to find a subject that fits the ideal demographic and will be attractive to potential clients.
There is never any guarantee for a product to succeed or fail, but by utilizing social media and taking the public’s “pre-opinion” into account, a business can avoid any unpleasant surprises and generate highly-effective buzz.