Defining "social media" isn't as easy as it may seem. It is a complex, and increasingly so, business aspect that is constantly evolving. There are countless experts out there with their definitions or advice on how to use social media.

And since I am not exempt from this category at all, although I don't refer to myself as an expert, I figured I would share my best definition of social media.

But it's not an easy answer so I put together this infographic to help explain it. Read below for more details on each aspect:

First of all, I think it's important to mention that there are two parts to social media: "social" and "media"

These are almost oxymoronic in their usage but they can be unified when used properly.

The "social" aspect of social media is just that. How you should interact socially to succeed.

Social Interaction

The most important aspect of social media is the social interaction. This means being social! Social media is not a megaphone by which to scream your marketing message. It is an opportunity to converse, engage, and entertain your audience! Ask questions, provide tips, offer assistance, invite participation, host contests, reward customers. These are all great ways to interact socially with your social media audience!

Open Dialogue

As I just said, social media is not a megaphone. Instead, use it as a means to have open dialogue with your customers and audience. Be open and up front with them when it comes to business changes, issues, new products or events. Having a dialogue about your business with your customers will keep them feeling involved and respected.

Communication

Are you noticing a trend yet? Yes, communication is paramount to social media marketing! Consider your social media platforms as a direct line of communication to your customers. It might be customer service related issues or a means to keep your employees up to date on company events. Or it might be a tool to promote a new product launch or a way to inform customers of a website issue. Either way, use social media to stay in direct communication with your audience.

Identity

Social media should be a reflection of your brand identity. If your brand and your audience is young and sassy, then your social media profiles should be too! Customers and potential customers should be able to quickly determine "who" your brand is just by looking at your social media profiles.

Loyalty

One of the ultimate goals of social media should be to create customer loyalty. Social media is a way to stay forefront in your customers' minds and remind them how much you value them. By showing them how loyal you are to them, they will remain loyal to you!

The "media" aspect of social media is more about how you should use the platforms to enhance your marketing and business strategies.

Management of Your Brand

Companies used to hire PR firms to manage the "image" of their brand and handle any public image issues. But today, we are all our own PR management through social media. You should be using social media to manage your image, your brand, and any potential complaints.

Engagement

One of the key words associated with social media is "engagement." The ability to interact, or engage, your audience. Engagement is achieved through directly interacting with your audience! This means liking their comments, welcoming new fans, responding to comments or questions, thanking loyal fans, offering shout outs to fans or other companies, and providing real value to your audience. Just remember, if you don't engage them, why should they engage you?

Deliver Value

No one is going to follow your social media sites if all you do is talk about yourself or share cat memes. You need to give them a reason to follow you. Determine what value your audience is looking for. Do they need tips and advice? Do they need training? Do they need product comparisons? Whatever that need is, you can capitalize on social media to provide them with  inherent value and keep them coming back for more.

Integration

Social media is not a stand alone aspect. It should be properly integrated with your branding across other mediums and platforms. Colors, logos, fonts, voice, and overall atmosphere should integrate smoothly with traditional marketing and branding for your company.

Active

One of the most important aspects of social media is to be active! You need to be actively posting on a regular basis. You need to be actively engaging and responding to your fans. You need to be actively prepared to respond to current events or live experiences. Social media is not a place to dump and disappear!

I hope this helps clarify the definition of social media. I told you it wasn't a simple answer! 😉

Is there anything else that you think is part of the social media definition? Sound off in the comments below!