James Price of San Diego: Target Affirms Importance of Social Marketing
New data suggests that Target benefits greatly from its social media strategy-a finding that has garnered the attention of James Price of San Diego.
Online, September 10, 2012 (Newswire.com) - Though it is often said that, for businesses, social marketing is the future, there are many business owners who remain skeptical. For some, the recent Facebook IPO flop serves as a major deterrent. For others, there is simply a great deal of cynicism over the ability of social media outlets like Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest to deliver real, meaningful sales results. A recent Business Insider report reveals that at least one major company benefits immensely from its strong social media presence-and that report has won the attention of business and marketing experts like James Price of San Diego.
Business Insider reports that Target, a retail giant that invests a great deal in its social marketing campaign, sees significant results from its heavy presence on Facebook and other social networks. In fact, the report finds that those who are Facebook "fans" of Target are 97 percent more likely to spend money there. Meanwhile, the friends of people who are "fans" of Target are 51 percent more likely to spend at Target, compared to the average population. Given that Target can claim an astonishing 18 million "likes," this data is very revealing about the potential sales ramifications of a strong, visible social media presence.
The Business Insider report has won the attention of James Price of San Diego. A long-time business development expert, Price currently serves as the CEO of Aero Financial. Price's passion is for finding underperforming companies and helping them increase their profitability, through measures such as financial planning, business plan development, and social marketing. Price has responded to the Business Insider report with a new statement to the press.
"It is mystifying that so many business leaders retain their skepticism about social marketing," says James Price. "What Target reveals is that you get out of social marketing what you put into it. When you really leverage social media and aim for maximum visibility, it typically pays off."
Business Insider agrees with James Price's assessment, noting that backlash over the Facebook IPO has become "overblown," and that, when it comes to social marketing, "reaching out to consumers now has benefits later."
James Price of San Diego, meanwhile, says that strategy is important when it comes to social media implementation-but that it is also possible to overthink it. "There is no doubt that Target puts a lot of thought and strategy into its social media campaign," says Price. "However, what these statistics suggest is that the company really benefits just by being there, and by maintaining a strong presence in a realm where many shoppers spend a great deal of their free time. That level of exposure is really the key."
ABOUT:
James Price of San Diego is the Chairman and CEO of Aero Financial, a firm devoted to providing superior business development and marketing services to companies of all kinds. With 25 years of experience in the financial sector, Price is skilled at discovering promising, under-funded business ventures and building them up through public financing options and investment banking. A proud veteran of the United States Army, James Price currently sits on the board of numerous organizations, including the YMCA of San Diego and the I AM Foundation.