Back in the older days, during the early-mid 1990s. The internet allows websites to speak to website visitors by providing information they had to the visitors. A one-way communication and that was actually 1.0, however, no one actually knows what it is called.

Moving on into the 2000s, is where web 2.0 came into place. Web 2.0 two-way communication, people could upload things such as pictures or videos and contribute to the content, which is called the user-generated content.

Social media is the next step. Social media allows visitors to speak to the website, write user-generated content and facilitates the conversation between visitors. This is a three-way communication. So, basically these are medias such as Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. People can communicate with each other in this medium.

So what would be the next step?

The process of the next step would be bridging the gap between the online and offline world, which is frequently referred to as augmented reality. For instance, when you go to the grocery store, and there will be a bar-code scanner for you to scan your items, which allows you to immediately check whether the price is a dollar cheaper than the next store down the road.

Currently, the rise and growing love of social media has changed the way businesses work, changed the way we communicate and the way we live in society. Social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Youtube, allow consumers to do quality research before purchasing products and services. Businesses that are active on these social media platforms are able to respond effectively to their potential market and offer what the consumer wants.

According to a survey conducted by  BrightLocal, it is evident that 88% of consumers mentioned that they trust online reviews just as much as personal recommendations. Social media platforms have resulted in the ability to determine the validity of a business and the quality of products and services offered, through the information provided online and communication such as online feedback, reviews from different people.

Some advice that businesses should take note when utilizing social media marketing:

1. Select the best platform – The social media platform you select has to be able to convey the message you want your customer to receive. Identify who is your target market and what platforms would be the best approach that will perform the best. For instance, Instagram might perform better if you are targeting a younger audience.

2. Pick the application – Businesses can create their own mobile application as it is cost-effective. Also, it allows them to have full control of the application.

3. Ensure that activities are aligned – For example, the message conveyed on Instagram and Facebook has to be consistent, so that the message is clear.

4. Media plan integration – This will help businesses find out the right tool to utilize to convey their business value proposition to prospective customers.

5. Provide access for all – Everyone in the business has to have access to the social media to take part in this.

Undoubtedly, the internet is constantly evolving over the years. As a result, it has changed people’s perception of reality and the way they see things. With three-way communication, it allows people to stay connected with each other around the world and businesses to effectively market their products and services to the prospective consumers.