What are the advantages of real-time marketing?

The bottom line: Marketing is all about human relationships. Social media can be your best tool for building relationships with your customers. Start and carry on a conversation with customers. Listen to them. Respond right away to their problems and questions.

Your customers will think more highly of your brand. They will be more likely to buy from you again. They’ll tell their friends about their great experience with you – and a recommendation from a friend is the best way to gain new customers.

Real-time marketing also means having a sense of urgency, and understanding the value of time. HubSpot’s blog says “...new research from The Social Habit finds consumers reaching out to companies on social channels expect a response within 60 minutes.” The web has reset our internal clocks.

One company that does this right is Zappos. Try this test: Go on Twitter right now and ask Zappos a question. How long does it take to get a response?