Integrating Social Media into the Marketing Communication Strategy : The Case of ID24

Abstract: Problem:  Integration of social media tools in marketing practice of B2B companies is not a widespread phenomenon yet. However, particular patterns of involvement already exist. Companies get connected through social media and they use Web 2.0 tools to engage the customers in communication and to interact and build relationships with them.   Purpose: The overall purpose of this thesis is to deepen and broaden the knowledge of the application of social media into the communication strategy of B2B micro-firms. It aims to compare the integration of social media in direct and indirect, or through publications in press, ways of communicating the customers, and investigates if social media are an appropriate tool to build relationships with the customers.    Method:  In order to fulfil the research purpose, authors conducted a case study research, used an inductive approach, and gathered the primary data through observation and interviews. Respondents were representing a supplying company, mass media professionals and retailing companies.   Conclusion:  Integrating of social media channels can be performed through linking different online platforms of the company, engaging its business partners in joint projects and following customers’ preferences in their choice of the appropriate channels. Results of the study illustrate that social media can empower the companies to create, maintain and reinforce relationships both with customers and mass media professionals. The study differentiates various social media platforms in their relevance for communication with customers and mass media professionals. It demonstrates that the blend of the social media and traditional platforms employed by a company is not a constant, but rather a dynamic combination, coordinated with the goals and resources of the company and its marketing strategy. Finally, it suggests companies to be consistent and persistent in developing their social media strategy, providing timely and constantly updated information.