Friday 5 March 2010

Social Networking Sites and Companies: Facebook and Easyjet

In the past year, I have seen a huge increase of businesses using social networking sites to sell their products or services.  I'm on Facebook and Twitter and have companies trying to lure me by their special offers or competitions everyday.  It isn't just a marketing ploy, but it is also a chance for these companies to hear from the customer.  A few years ago you would have just received emails from companies about what was new, but you weren't given a chance to give feedback. ASOS, Easyjet and Marks and Spencer all have facebook pages where you get constant updates and to make you visit their websites to find out more.  For this blog I will concentrate on Easyjet, as you can see both happy and unhappy customers on their Facebook page!

Easyjet is a cheap, no frills airline that can get you from A to B by booking online, or by phone.  I personally use them when I'm going on holidays or to university after a break and have always been amazed at how professional they are considering they are an economy airline.  Only in the past year have they started up a facebook page where you can get information on destinations, travel updates (in case of delays), holiday competitions and for people to vent their anger or praise for Easyjet. The two way communications system is a far better way for Easyjet to find out what their customers think of them and indeed helps potential customers see how professional Easyjet are.  E-Tourism has revolutionised the way we buy our flights or holiday packages.  Rheingold defined Web 2.0 virtual communities as 'a group of people who may or may not seek one another face to face and who exchange words and ideas through the mediation of computer bulletin boards and networks.' 

To date, there are 23,521 fans on Easyjet's Facebook page.  It is quite popular and it is updated everyday; this shows that Easyjet are wanting to please their publics.  Do you know of any companies or organisations that do the same thing and do it better than Easyjet? Do you think it is important for companies or organisations to embrace social networking? In my opinion, I think it is vital as it will keep Easyjet in touch with stakeholders and audiences.

I'm away to book a holiday now...
 Pictures from: The Mirror, Facebook and Greenville County Schools
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2 comments:

  1. KJLogue8 March 2010 at 13:53

    I think the way Easyjet utilises social networking sites like Facebook is an example to other businesses. Because it is well managed and updated reguarly it really does give the impression that the company is listening to its stakeholders.

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  2. Gi30 March 2010 at 10:42

    I believe facebook is great tool for companies.

    In the example of easyjet, they are opening their business up to scrutiny but by doing so are earning people's respect as they are showing that they are prepared to deal with the problems that their customers have faced.

    Facebook allows easyjet customers to compare experiences and also be reassured that someone is listening.

    Times have changed from writing a letter of complaint in which very few people, if anyone, would read. With the introduction of Facebook, a complaint goes global and is there for all to see.

    Usually it would be an organisations nightmare, however an organisations transparancy is now being rewarded for showing they have nothing to hide.

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