Taking social media advertising to the masses

The birth of the digital era has created a home for many a niche community. Whether you’re into wine, comic books, naked skydiving or multi-coloured coats made from human skin, there’s bound to be plenty of discussions, forums and blogs to engage your interest online.

In recent years, brands have been able to embrace these online gatherings in the true spirit of social media, monitoring online conversations and getting involved where they can.

But there are times when marketers want to interact with consumers, inspire advocacy AND hit as many people with their marketing messages as possible. Alongside the word of mouth that can be generated by long-term online relationships with consumers, social media campaigns that are more akin to ‘advertising’ in its traditional sense can also serve to drive brand engagement and get excellent results.

This event discussed how brands can take advantage of consumer engagement in social media and make mainstream digital campaigns work together with social media environments - sometimes blurring the lines between real life and virtual worlds.

Ciaran Norris, Head of Social Media, Mindshare
How social media has become more mainstream than the mainstream.

Phil Guest, Senior Vice President of Global Advertising Sales, Habbo
How virtual lives can mimic our real lives.

Kate Box, Head of Social Media, Sales, Microsoft Advertising
Social Media and Traditional Digital Working Together

Trevor Johnson, Strategy and Planning, EMEA, Facebook
How to large crowds online, and future trends.

And chaired by Brad Little, Director, Nielsen Online