The Ultimate Guide to SMM Marketing Strategies

The Ultimate Guide to Different Forms of Marketing for Aspiring Filipino Virtual Assistants and Social Media Managers

Welcome to this ultimate guide on the different forms of marketing! If you're an aspiring Filipino virtual assistant or social media manager, this article is tailor-made for you. Understanding marketing is crucial for anyone aiming to make a mark in these roles. Let's dive into the multifaceted world of marketing and unravel its different forms, one step at a time.

Advertising

What is Advertising?

Advertising is a paid form of communication that promotes a product or service through various media channels. Think of it as painting a sign that says, "Circus Coming to Town!" It's specific, targeted, and uses platforms like Google, Bing, Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube to reach potential customers.

Why is Advertising Important?

In a world cluttered with information, advertising helps your message stand out. It's the rocket fuel for your sales campaigns and the first touchpoint in many customer journeys.

Example: Promoting a Circus

Let's say you want to promote a circus. You'd pay to place ads in strategic locations online and offline, targeting people who are most likely to attend such an event. The goal? To increase your sales, of course! After all, whether we're writing an article or creating content, the overarching goal is always to make a sale.

Publicity

What is Publicity?

While advertising and sales focus on specific products or services, publicity is about building brand awareness and fostering relationships. Picture walking an elephant through the mayor's office to generate buzz—that's publicity!

Why is Publicity Important?

Publicity helps you gain organic reach and capture the imagination of potential customers. It's not about the hard sell; it's about creating moments that people will remember and share.

Example: Elephant Through the Mayor's Office

In our ongoing circus example, walking an elephant through the mayor's office can not only generate huge publicity but also create a lasting impression on your audience.

Public Relations (PR)

What is Public Relations?

Public Relations, or PR, is about controlling the narrative and creating a positive image for your brand. It's the art of managing perceptions and expectations.

Why is Public Relations Important?

In today's digital age, perception is reality. Effective PR can be the difference between a brand that thrives and one that merely survives.

Example: Mayor’s Endorsement and Viral Effect

If the mayor loves the elephant's surprise visit and shares the story, it could go viral. That's PR at its finest, and it's an essential skill for every Filipino virtual assistant and social media manager.

Sales

What is Sales?

Sales is the ultimate goal of all your marketing efforts. It's the culmination of advertising, promotions, publicity, and public relations. It's guiding people through various entertainment booths, answering their questions, and ultimately making them spend money.

Why are Sales Important?

Sales are the lifeblood of any business. Without sales, all your marketing efforts would be in vain. It's the tangible result that justifies your marketing expenditures and strategies.

Example: The Goal of Marketing

All these elements—advertising, promotions, publicity, public relations—work in harmony to guide your customer from ignorance to decision-making. That is what an effective social media marketer can do.

The Power of Organic Social Media Marketing

Why Go Organic?

Going organic in social media marketing is a powerful skill, especially for startups. If you can nail organic marketing, paid advertising becomes an extension rather than a necessity.

Examples from Real-Life Campaigns

Controversial Topics in Freelancing Groups

One of the real-life examples I can share involves initiating a trending but controversial topic in a freelancing Facebook group. I posted a question about whether freelancers should accept jobs that pay less than $2 an hour. This ignited heated discussions, garnering 647 votes and 58 lengthy comments. Some people even expressed strong opinions against my viewpoint.

However, this controversy served a purpose: it drove a lot of traffic to my Facebook page as people grew curious about who I was. I used this opportunity to make a lasting impression by sharing my stand on the issue. I believe that accepting low-paying jobs, especially when you need them, isn't hypocritical. We gain valuable experience working with clients, and if we decide to leave, they lose a great asset—us.

Attending Freelancers Health Insurance Event

In another instance, I attended an event for a company that provides health insurance to freelancers. I was paid to attend, making it a paid advertisement for them, but I turned it into a public relations opportunity for myself. I wanted to challenge the narrative that people like me who started small can't take big stages to tell our stories. Through my involvement in the event, I demonstrated my commitment to the freelancing community and showcased my network and connections.

Engaging Social Media Promotions

I also actively engage in social media promotions to grow my page. For instance, one of my posts generated 216 likes and 126 comments, and another one garnered 349 likes and 87 comments. These numbers may not seem huge, but they indicate an engaged community interested in what I have to say.

By providing value and content that my audience can relate to, I've been able to grow my page organically, proving that you don't always need paid advertising to make an impact.