The History of Social [Infographic]

The growth of social media has created a need for platforms to evolve with consumers demands for something new and entertaining. Over the years there have been many networks that have been slow to implement changes or unable to adapt their platform to demands of consumers.
On a daily basis we check our phones on average 150 times, here in #TheLab it is the first thing we do in the morning, the last thing we do at night and continually throughout the day, social media marketing is everywhere. Over the years there have been many social platforms that have successfully developed their brand to accommodate the needs of consumers, but of course where there are successes there are failures, and many platforms have failed to stay relevant in an ever changing climate.
Believe it or not social media did not start with Facebook, the idea of social media began in the early 1970’s as a result of aspects like e-mail, the first e-mail being sent in 1971. With the first solely social interaction site developing in 1997, Six Degrees.

The importance of understanding the history of social media marketing is not only the development of the platforms but how they also offer something unique for the customers and offer a personal, yet sometimes interruptive form of advertising for businesses. Knowing how to use social media marketing for your business properly and acknowledge upcoming platforms as well as out-of-date sites gives you advantage over others. At the moment Video is a hot trend but images do still have more engagement on social media, so be sure to use the right method for your business. There are so many different trends available and with the platforms continually updating it is more important than ever to make sure that you are creating content that your audience will see. Your audiences are now more accessible than ever with the help of these social media sites providing advertising and specific targeting opportunities.
The majority of the sites that are still relevant are using Paid Advertising on their platforms, this is increasingly important as businesses want to be where consumers are, and if your platform is good enough it will have the people. Using Paid Advertising on social media allows you to target specific demographics, choosing the right social media marketing strategy will determine the success of your campaign. For example, Facebook’s demographic has shifted over the years and now 73% of 30-49 year old’s are using the social network! If you are wishing to target this audience, it would be illogical to put money into advertisements on Instagram for example where the demographic is much younger.
As well as primarily using social networks to advertise, they will allow you to monitor audience trends and adapt to them. Social networks also let you to communicate with your audience directly, by doing this you are making your brand more personable; breaking down the impression that your accounts are being run by corporate robots. Overall, social networks allow you to get your name out there, by interacting with your target demographic this can create a chain effect in growing your business.
If you are unsure of whether you are up to date on the social media marketing platforms available for you business or if you are unsure that you are using them correctly for your business, get in touch for a no obligation conversation.