The advent of the internet has completely transformed the way we communicate, share information, and make purchases. The internet has opened up countless avenues for marketers to connect with their target audiences, and social media platforms have become the go-to channels for many marketing campaigns. However, the rise of dark social has thrown a wrench in traditional marketing strategies.
Dark social refers to the sharing of content through private channels such as email, messaging apps, and private social media groups. Unlike traditional social media platforms, dark social channels are not easily trackable by marketers, making it difficult to measure the impact of marketing messages. A study by RadiumOne found that dark social accounts for 84% of all global outbound sharing, surpassing traditional social sharing by a large margin.
The rise of dark social has significant implications for marketers. While traditional social media platforms allow brands to target audiences and track engagement with their marketing messages, dark social makes it difficult to measure the effectiveness of campaigns. It also means that brands are missing out on a significant portion of social sharing that is happening behind closed doors.
However, dark social also presents an opportunity for marketers to reach new audiences. By creating shareable content that is easily sharable through private channels, brands can tap into networks that they may not have been able to reach through traditional social media platforms. This can also lead to increased brand awareness and customer loyalty, as customers are more likely to share content with their close friends and family.
To take advantage of the opportunities presented by dark social, marketers need to adapt their strategies accordingly. Here are some tips for developing a dark social strategy:
1. Create shareable content: Brands need to create content that is easily shareable through private channels. This means creating content that is visually engaging, emotionally resonant, and easy to understand.
2. Encourage sharing: Brands need to be explicit in their call-to-action, encouraging customers to share their content through private channels. This can be done through social sharing buttons, email forwarding options, and other tactics.
3. Monitor dark social channels: While dark social can be difficult to track, there are tools available that can help brands monitor private channels for mentions and engagement. Brands need to be proactive in monitoring private channels to gain insights into customer behavior and sentiment.
4. Focus on customer experience: Dark social presents a unique opportunity for brands to connect with customers on a more personal level. Brands need to focus on delivering exceptional customer experiences that will encourage customers to share their experiences with their friends and family.
In conclusion, the rise of dark social presents both challenges and opportunities for marketers. While it can be difficult to measure the impact of campaigns on private channels, it also presents a unique opportunity for brands to reach new audiences and increase brand loyalty. By adapting their strategies to suit the changing landscape of social sharing, marketers can stay ahead of the curve and create meaningful connections with their customers.
