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 features Better control & flexibility Potential for integrated CRM Link from main site Photo widget Inform via service crews

Second Approach: Using Facebook Page in 3 months. Started Nov 2008

Why Facebook and how we get members? Simplicity Viral marketing tools More business oriented Facebook advertising Link from main site Posters in cafe Tagging of photos Inform 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 analytics Google trend Scan email list Ask 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 SAME SAME BUT Different?

Don’t forget about online to offline conversion

Think CRM social networks are tools

WeeKee technology and board games lover Website: www.pitstopcafe.com.sg Email: weekee@gmail.com HP: 9236 8457 What are your thoughts?