Using Social Network for Businesses

Quick Introduction

Pitstop Café is a board games café near Boat Quay

It is a place where friends gather

to enjoy a meal

and play board games together

What is the role of social media in the business?

Corporate blog Online communities

Board games meetups

Online to offline conversion

First Approach: Branded SNS based on Ning

446 members in 18 months. Started June 2007

Why Ning and how we get members?

More featuresBetter control & flexibilityPotential for integrated CRM

Link from main sitePhoto widgetInform via service crews

Second Approach: Using Facebook Page

in 3 months. Started Nov 2008

Why Facebook and how we get members?

SimplicityViral marketing toolsMore business oriented

Facebook advertisingLink from main sitePosters in cafeTagging of photosInform via service crews

So what type of SNS is suitable for businesses?(Branded or External)

Low brand awareness and low ability / desire to engage

Leverage on the user base in existing SNS

Which social network?

Site analyticsGoogle trendScan email listAsk your customers

Low brand awareness but high ability / desire to engage

Select base on features requirements. Use existing SNS if possible.

High brand awareness but low ability / desire to engage

Plan and understand first. Do not just jump in blindly.

High brand awareness and high ability / desire to engage

Integrate it into the organization CRM initiative

Baby Center Community

Clean and Clear, Hong Kong

Swatch Community Club

My Starbucks Idea Dell IdeaStorm

Some parting thoughts

Number of community users alone isn’t a useful metric

Differentiate by intention and not by technology or platforms

SAMESAMEBUT

Different?

Don’t forget about online to offline conversion

Think CRMsocial networks are tools

WeeKeetechnology and board games loverWebsite: www.pitstopcafe.com.sgEmail: weekee@gmail.comHP: 9236 8457

What are your thoughts?