Social Media Essay

Introduction
In today’s ambitious world, social media has developed opportunities businesses can benefit from. Business owners are able to reach more customers and present their brand through these networks, most times free of charge. Although businesses have been slow to implement this channel of communication, they have begun to recognize the value added to their industry by use of social media. In reviewing literature on social media and its effect on business relations, it is evident that social media is rapidly changing business marketing and communication practices. Even though there are numerous studies on the initial impacts and potential benefits of social media, further studies ought to be considered for business owners to further understand the long term advantages from the use of social media. This paper will begin by clarifying what social media is, trailed by discussion on customer engagement, user-generated content, and customer relationship management and financial features.
Social Media
In order for a business to implement social media into everyday practice, they need to understand social media and where it fits within their organization. When Internet first began it was mostly for surfing websites of media establishments. Gradually, establishments have seen the opportunity for advertising and marketing to potential customers through small changes such as a comments section on their webpage. Similar to the arrival of the World Wide Web, companies have been hesitant to adopt and utilize social media as a resource for their business needs. It is evident, social media is used to exchange information and opinions virtually that could be a vital tool and strategy for businesses.
As one would expect, bus...

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...beneficial to study the customer perception of social media structures and observe the real impact of the system that carries on customer devotion and commitment. “Face-to-face contact is being used less often by salespeople to build and maintain client relationships” (Marshall, Moncrief, Rudd, & Lee, 2012, p. 353). Additional exploration is vital to offer useful instruction as well as creating theory on the subjects that may be presented during operation. Andzulis, Panagopoulos, and Rapp posit that social media will provide ample research in the future and that it will be able to mold not only future sales and marketing strategies but also corporate philosophies for the foreseeable future (Andzulis et al., 2012, p. 315).
Conclusion
Arun Nair (2012) says it best, “Social media has changed the world for good and the repercussions are felt far and wide” (p. 85).