social media moms

11/1 2010 BY HOLLY PAVLIKA

Moms may not have invented social media, but the 26 million moms who use social media prove the mommy demographic dominates it. From mommy blogs to Facebook and Twitter accounts, social media provides a limitless platform for savvy “Social Media Moms” to share pics and videos, keep in constant contact with friends and family, and post reviews about products. Social media has empowered women and moms by giving them an endless platform to effect change. The truth is that moms trust the opinions of other moms over advertising. Mom blogs that offer product reviews, coupons, links to deals and specials, and information about the hottest products on the market have become the most reliable go-to source for the mom consumer. No longer is it enough for retailers to make great products and expect push media to attract consumers to their product. There is a delicate balance in finding a healthy medium between content and brand messaging, while figuring out the right tone and approach to building a solid relationship with moms.

Mom’s domination of social media has caused companies to embrace social responsibility. Trust and reputation are all-important in today’s Mom’s connected world. The trust factor is becoming the main differentiator among successful brands and not-so-successful ones. Moms, in growing numbers, are embracing brands and companies they trust.

The biggest mistake a brand can make is to underestimate the power of mom. When today’s mom is faced with a problem, she’ll always find a way to come up with a solution. By sourcing and creating applications on their own, launching blogs that provide a platform for them to have discussions with other moms, or even starting their own businesses, today’s tech savvy mom is constantly finding innovative ways to solve everyday problems. As a result, business models, product development techniques, technology, and marketing are changing dynamically.

Many moms use social media to start their own businesses. These Moms are confident and are taking their excellent networking skills and the strong relationships they have built with their social graphs to leverage a business that ultimately produces revenue. Even in the midst of a roaring recession, Moms are actively seeking ways to monetize their blogs and generate additional income through consulting, speaking appearances, filling out surveys, attending meetings and becoming voices for brands. More and more Moms are crowd-sourcing issues and joining forces to help teach mom to business relationship-building skills. Even between having multiple children, managing a home and running a business, she is moving at light speed.

The Social Media Mom is a force to be reckoned with. She’s been given the tools and she’s making the most of them. Brands can learn a lot from her.