AmCham Macedonia Fall 2014 (Issue 43) | Page 13

ANALYSIS Key Factors for a Successful Presence in the Digital World Author: Alkaloid, Inc. Skopje Social networks present an enormous challenge for companies because they require a commitment and openness in customer relations. Companies used to be able to carefully prepare and send messages they fully controlled; social network communication is far more complex because it requires companies to interact in real time with the public in a way that will create additional value for customers first and foremost, but also for the company overall. In terms of the content that we share through the social networks, we are always guided by the 70/20/10 model... With the rising popularity of social networks, Alkaloid recognized the need for bidirectional communication because consumers began talking about our products there whether we were present or not. Thus, our Facebook pages in our six key operational markets have become a hub for direct communication with our target audience. In terms of the content that we share through the social networks, we are always guided by the 70/20/10 model, which means we work to ensure that 70% of posts on our Facebook page add value to the community and are directly related to the brand and certain objectives, 20% of the content is created by fans themselves and brandrelated, while 10% of the content is promotional. This content management model has proven the most effective because it creates a sustainable level of interaction; our customers find what we publish to Emerging Macedonia Fall 2014 Issue 43 be valuable and therefore want to continue engaging with us. By talking to our customers, we gather important feedback that we cannot get through any other communication channel. Namely, we identified customers’ favorite Becutan products, their likes and dislikes and we received interesting and innovative suggestions on our collection. An interesting example of the value of the feedback we receive on the social networks was when we began considering the introduction of new packaging for one of our Becutan products. We weren’t sure there was a real need for new packaging nor what it should be like. Given the longstanding and open relationship the Becutan brand has with its community, it was natural for us to ask their opinions. The response was incredible. We received thousands of suggestions, even from people who were only indirectly part of our community. This approach to analyzing customer needs proved successful because it both helped us make the right decision and reconfirmed the brand’s value to our customers. 13