Understanding The Real Cost of Social Media

I’m no expert, but it annoys me when people say that it is free to employ social media for marketing purposes. I hear that a lot, especially when fellow schoolmates present on their school projects.

“We plan to use viral social media marketing because it is free and have the best impact…”

That was a line I heard 2 months ago from a final year student in Singapore. The professor said it was good.

Apparently, many students aren’t familiar with digital marketing. They might be good at using Facebook and Twitter, but don’t quite understand how they are can be used for business purposes. I don’t think students even understand how Google Adwords works.

As far as I have seen, it’s a common problem among students in Singapore, India, Indonesia, and Taiwan. There isn’t a course in college level dedicated to teach students more about the web.

Back to topic, it is naive to think that social media marketing doesn’t cost a cent. It is free to register for a Facebook or Twitter account but putting effort to grow your community takes time. And time = money.

I’m glad to come across Focus.com’s infographic which explain social media’s real cost really well. It also triggered me to write about the experience I had in school too. For marketing students, I urge you to read on.