Vishü Rita Krocha
The emergence of social media has dramatically changed the way we communicate with each other. Especially over the last decade, it has taken the world by storm. It is estimated that in 2024, over five billion people were using social media worldwide, and this number is ever increasing even as new users continue to join different social media platforms.
Popular social networking sites such as Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, Instagram, WhatsApp, Tiktok, etc. have particularly garnered so much attention across the world that our lives almost seem dependent on it.
These platforms are also usually the first place where any kind of information gets leaked. Needless to say, social media has become more powerful than it has ever been before. Sure, there are negative impacts but there is no dearth to what a powerful medium like this can do to our lives and our society as a whole.
There are incredible talents that have been discovered on social media. Even closer home, we have success stories that have emerged from these platforms. This is especially true for businesses that started with nothing but a mere account. As they say, social media is a genuine game changer for business and many companies have also recognized the potential of social media as a new channel for communication.
Nagaland state is also witness to brands that have grown purely from their social media pages. Brands that once started off only with an online presence have gone on to open their physical stores. And then, there are those which continue to run their businesses on social media platforms, but are still doing exceedingly well.
Having a social media presence for a business also means that you are able to communicate with your target audience more quickly and easily. But this is not to say that it is without hard work because using social media is also an investment of valuable time and resources, and the success is not something that comes overnight. However, it pays off overtime, if done correctly.
Today’s generation won’t remember a time when social media didn’t exist. The fact that it has changed the world, and is constantly evolving with time also indicates that it is no longer something which is only ‘nice to have’ but social media today is ‘a must have’.
As American Marketing Specialist, Author, and Venture Capitalist, Guy Kawasaki, says, “A large social-media presence is important because it’s one of the last ways to conduct cost-effective marketing. Everything else involves buying eyeballs and ears. Social media enables a small business to earn eyeballs and ears.”
Especially if you have a brilliant business idea, but lacking resources, perhaps social media is good place to start. It is a goldmine for those who can harness the power of social media.
“Social media has leveled the playing field for businesses of all sizes. It’s not about how big your budget is; it’s about how well you engage and connect with your audience” as Brian Chesky said.
This is a guest editorial by Vishü Rita Krocha. She is the Publisher of PenThrill Publication and a senior journalist based in Kohima.
