Will Social Networking Have a Major Impact on Advertising?

Advertising has changed tremendously within the past 15 years. It is no longer as complex as it use to be. Some companies are slowly transitioning for traditional advertising tools such as print and media. Some means of advertising have become obsolete. Companies are starting to use social networks for advertising.

Social networks have become so much a part of our lives that many of us feel like we can't function without them. We feel compelled to be linked in to some type of social network. It seems almost like social networks have an occult following. With the latest influx of social networks such as facebook, linked in, twitter, mocospace and myspace has created new opportunities for companies. Social networks are so openly available to us. They are on our computers, cell phones and other PDA devices. Many companies have begun to capitalize on the popularity of social networks. It seems like social networks have an occult following. Unlike traditional advertising methods, social networks have a far greater reach. Not only is there potential for unlimited market exposure but also using social networks for advertising can be very cost effective. At first advertisers did not take social networks serious because they assume that it was just a trend that would not last but now many of them have began to acknowledge its benefits.

There are several disadvantages in advertising by means of social networks. First, social networking does not enable companies to strategically target one particular market. Secondly, when using social networks there really is not an effective way to monitor the success rate of using it for advertising. Lastly, although advertising on social networks can be effective, yet it may not always be taken serious by consumers. Social networks will definitely revolutionize the way advertising is done by companies and received by consumers. Eventually traditional advertising methods may become obsolete. Companies that are not willing to discontinue being sole dependent on traditional advertising methods are going to experience limited growth. I believe that social networks will continue to improve. Although it is almost in its maturity stage, yet its popularity will not be declining anytime soon.