Totally Social - Spread the word

Like most of you, our Facebook feeds were covered from top to bottom during August with videos of people tipping ice water over their heads. The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge spread like lightning, and highlighted the power of Social Media.

After the team Total spent a very cold Tuesday morning tipping not one, but two buckets of ice cold water over our heads (due to filming issues) it became apparent how quickly the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge has spread. Taking to Social Media, countless celebrities sparked millions of donations to ALS research, and raised awareness of the disease.  

Like every campaign it does come to an end, however ALS have announced that over $100 Million was raised, with over 3 million people donating. Compared to the $2.8 million that ALS raised during the same time period last year, the challenge has increased donations by 3,500%.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the Challenge, is the way it was conducted. Many of you will have seen your favourite football stars, singers and actors take to Instagram, Twitter and Facebook to publish their video. It soon filtered down to the general public, where friends, family and colleagues began nominating eachother.

To get an idea of how Social Media can accelerate fundraising, one example we've seen is: 'Livestrong yellow bracelet cancer-awareness campaign.' Launched in 2004, the campaign took a whole year to raise $50 million for the cause. Only half the amount ALS has raised in the space of a month. 

Being such a quick form of communication, the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge as well as other campaigns, such as the breast cancer #NoMakeUpSelfie have highlighted the effectiveness of Social Media marketing. Reaching audiences of millions, whether it's for charity or for brand, Social Media has proven itself an invaluable tool.

Steering away from the fundraising side of things for a moment, we've taken a look at brand awareness, and how companies such as Nike have embraced this modern way of promotion, and interacting with their clients. 
2013 marked the 25th anniversary of Nike's timeless "Just do it" slogan, at which point they constructed a fresh marketing campaign, reintroducing the slogan into the social hemisphere complete with the #JustDoIt hashtag. 

The hashtag was introduced so that the many Nike customers could share their latest purchases via Social Networks using the hashtag. Taking to Facebook to announce the new campaign, the status received over 25,000 likes within the first day. 

Spreading the word quicker than gossip on Wisteria lane, Social Media is a tool that your business shouldn't be ignoring. Make sure you're embracing the modern day digital world. 

(Statistic & Quote via www.forbes.com)