How Locals Use Social Networks In South Africa

By Cornelia White


Social networks in South Africa have developed an immense level of popularity. The most popular digital site has almost ten million active users, while the country's largest mobile messaging application has over seven million members. This shows that those wishing to gain a market share in SA should not attempt to do so without the use of an integrated approach to network campaigns.

South Africa's most unique facet is the fact that it combines first and third world communities. Another unusual characteristic is that many of its lower income earners use the kind of technology that is usually relegated to upper and middle income earners. Computers are not affordable for the entire population, but mobiles often are. This makes SA's mobile networking sites of particular importance.

Campaigns established according to demographics are relatively easy to create in SA because of the stark division between subcultures and locales. Many who use mobile networking applications, for example, dedicate 60 minutes of their days to these sites. That these kinds of networks offer an affordable way to communicate gives marketers a direct way to influence middle income earners.

Social networks that integrate image sharing, video and news feeds are SA's most popular. These members are mostly middle and upper income groups. Professional sites, on the other hand, are growing at a slower rate. Their members are typically white collar professionals working in the finance sector.

SA has a few networks that are generating significant attention from lower income groups. By marketing themselves on basic food items, these media are targeting a demographic that is large enough to detract from the usage of some of the world's most popular sites. Those marketing to this demographic cannot afford to ignore the lesser known mobile applications networkers are using locally, given that they have an average of a million daily users.

SA's digital users can be divided according to their locations. As an example, those living in Kwazulu Natal use mobile media more than others. This demographic often lives a laid back, sports-oriented lifestyle. Gauteng dwellers, in contrast, prefer professional networking sites. These demographics are typically higher income earners with fast-paced lifestyles and careers.

Picture sharing media are growing in popularity in all regions of SA. Video-based networking is more integrated into Western Cape life. This demographic is typically focused on obtaining a higher quality of life, although thriving careers are not unusual in this area. However, unlike Gauteng, Cape Town life is more sedate.

SA's developing networking sites have faster growth rates than those seen in most first world countries. Some sites have as much as 100% growth per year. This development is partially the result of corporate usage. Large companies are employing their own marketing teams to establish digital media campaigns.

Marketing managers with the talent to develop strategic digital campaigns gain a significant competitive edge. This is the result of a general lack of savvy among advertisers as to how to develop an integrated campaign on social networks in South Africa. Despite the fact that the country has some of the world's most talented advertisers, digital marketing remains misunderstood by many.




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