What Is Social Media

Social media as defined in Wikipedia is an "interactive web platforms via which individuals and communities share co-creates, discusses, and modify user-generated content”. Andreas Kaplan and Michael Haenlein define social media as "a group of Internet-based applications that build on the ideological and technological foundations of Web 2.0, and that allow the creation and exchange of user-generated content." I.e. Social media are social software which mediates human communication. When the technologies are in place, social media is ubiquitously accessible, and enabled by scalable communication techniques. In the year 2012, social media became one of the most powerful sources for news updates through platforms like Twitter and Facebook.

Classification of Social Media

1. Collaborative – This is considered as main sources of information for many consumers today. This includes Wikipedia where users are allowed to add, remove, and change text-based content. Another is the social bookmarking application which allows users to share their favorite online content with one another. A bookmark may be counted as vote, resulting to the rise of content with many votes in that community.

2. Blog – Today, a blog is use by companies to update and keep in touch with their customers thus it becomes part of any website but it can stand alone. A blog expresses the opinions and experiences of a writer or group of writers. It can come in any variation including personal or could be a specific content area. It can include text, pictures and videos. An updated and interesting WordPress, TypePad or Posterous blog can generate site traffic and bring in new visitors to your site.

3. Content communities – The purpose of content communities is to share media content among users. The content can be about anything in different format such as video sharing sites like Youtube, photo sharing sites like Flickr and Tumblr or it could be a power point presentation that you can share in Slideshare. You can make use of this to market yourself that can generate a lot of interest at a minimal cost.

4. Social Networking Sites – This is an application that allows users to connect using personal profiles which can include information like photos, videos, audios files, and blog. It generally includes features like instant messaging and email. Facebook, Twitter, Linkedln and Google+ is a way to build your network where you can create a presence for yourself and is a great way to develop your brand.

5. Virtual Game Worlds - This is a three dimensional environment where users can interact using a personal avatar. It has a strict set of rules that needs to be followed in the context of MMORPG. Popular in this category are Warcraft and Diablo among others. You can make use of this to appeal to a specific market as this is very popular. An image from a World of Warcraft for instance can catch the eye of a consumer that would normally have looked past your company.

6. Virtual Social Worlds – These are sites that allow users to interact in a three dimensional platform in the form of avatars which is similar way to real life. You can use similar tactics in your company.

Bottom line is when it comes to these six social media it is crucial to consider what each avenue can do for your brand and consumers. It is important you tailor your approach to the need of your company to get the best result.