So many marketing tactics, so little time…

We would need more than a page on a Web site to list and explain the full range of Social Media tactics currently being used by marketers today.  Here are just a few examples broken out by category:

• Creating a space for connecting with people (Ex: A branded social network, a corporate blog)
• Connecting with people in places they already frequent (Ex: Forum engagement, commenting on others’ blogs, using Twitter to connect with customers)
• Creating activities, useful tools or social content (Ex: Contests, Facebook applications, viral video)
• Providing ways for customers to share their thoughts or content (Ex: Ratings & Review tools, Most Popular tools, photo sharing)
• Facilitating brand evangelists (Ex: Ambassador programs, word of mouth marketing)

If you are new to Social Media, studying tactics used by others can be a great way to learn about the space.  The Word of Mouth Marketing Association offers a library of case studies from vendors (take the reported results with a grain of salt).  Many conferences also offer tactic-specific workshops (don’t miss our own Li Evans at SES San Jose; she’ll be covering Twitter and other Social Media topics).  Endless Plain (our Serengeti corporate Blog) covers Social Media tactics and examples extensively.  Our Takeitinhouse site includes interviews with Social Media marketers.

A word of warning: Don’t fall prey to a tactical approach!  Selecting a group of tactics does not a strategy make.  Launching a Social Media program with an integrated strategy can only lead to failure (at best) and disaster (at worst).