Social Media Branding: Welcome to the Jungle! Part II

In our previous article we have looked into the instability of online marketing channels the social media overload with an overwhelming number of options. We have also looked into how social media has changed the way we buy and act as consumers. All this leaves with the question of how we are supposed to get a grip on this social media jungle. Join us for the next article in this series to understand how.

Growth Hackers

All these changes have led to the rise of the growth hackers, the new leading marketers of the 21st century. Not only are they smart, curious and have an insatiable thirst for knowledge; they are also daring and unafraid to think differently, experiment and try new things. Growth hackers are marketers who really understand the importance of growth. They know that in the 21st century, products do not sell themselves, no matter how great they might be. To sell a product one must reach the target audience and create added value, otherwise, it is a waste of time. Growth hackers have emerged as a response to the real needs of a changing marketing environment.

Growth Hackers vs. Marketing Tittles

So what is the difference between growth hackers and other marketing functions in a company? Growth hackers are usually more related to start-up companies whereas other marketing tittles with larger more stablished companies. There are several reasons for this:

1. Start-up companies are characterized with uncertainty. As a start-up company you are still in a process of defining who your customer base and profile is and are still checking out which marketing channel will work best. At this stage getting the product, company and brand going is a goal within itself. Social media will spread the word around in volumes designed to get a company started. Corporates on the other hand already have a substantial presence and thus will focus on brand awareness, sales channels and expanding a known brand.
2. Start-ups by definition have an unlimited growth potential. Start-ups tend to grow by approximately 20% monthly whereas corporates stand at approximately 5%. Growth hackers designed to approach the masses and bring in growth numbers.
3. Start-Ups budgets and resources are limited. Growth hackers can get a high preliminary growth rate with relative few resources.

The interesting question is what will the future hold for us? As time passes, the challenges will become greater, the users will get smarter, demand and competition will be brutal. But the growth hackers stand ready to face what comes, and they know that there is always room to grow.