Each consumer now has the power to be a journalist, reviewer, and whistle blower. The prevalence of social media has made it possible to alter a brand’s reputation with a single viral post, or spark a political movement with a hashtag. This new landscape requires a strategic plasticity and careful consideration of how the public will react to an organization’s actions. Participation in social media is mandatory for a brand’s success in this highly competitive online era. Managing Public Relations and Brand Image through Social Media provides the latest research and theoretical framework necessary to find ease in the shifting public relations and reputation management worlds. It provides an overview of the tools and skills necessary to deftly sidestep public affronts and to effectively use online outlets to enhance an organization’s visibility and reputation. This publication targets policy makers, website developers, students and educators of public relations, PR and advertising professionals, and organizations who wish to better understand the effects of social media.

To survive in today’s competitive business environment, marketing professionals must look to develop innovative methods of reaching their customers and stakeholders. Social media is a useful tool for developing the relationships between businesses and consumers. Building Brand Identity in the Age of Social Media: Emerging Research and Opportunities is a critical scholarly resource that examines the media consumption and habits of consumers to evaluate the challenges of brand building. Featuring coverage on a broad range of topics such as brand identity, brand loyalty, and social media branding, this book is geared towards marketing professionals, business managers, and individuals interested in how social media fits into today’s marketing environments.

This two-part volume examines current pedagogical modules, research directions and other emerging issues in public relations and communication management in Africa. In comparison to its Western and Asian counterparts, the literature on public relations management in Africa is limited, and much of it is examined through the lenses of Western philosophies and pedagogies that do not generally resonate with Africa's socioeconomic, political, and cultural contexts. This book aims to change that. Through analyzing the organizational dynamic, Volume 1 brings together contributors from across Africa to provide valuable insights into how public relations contributes to organizational effectiveness on the continent. Chapters discussed include a review of public relations research in Africa, the role of the African CEO as a public relations activist, the use of social and digital media in public relations, the measurement and evaluation of communication programs, and the implications of the fourth industrial revolution on public relations practice in Africa. Providing important pathways and overviews of public relations management in Africa, this volume not only highlights current practices but offers insights into the future of the practice within its evolving global landscape.

This book examines issues and implications of digital and social media marketing for emerging markets. These markets necessitate substantial adaptations of developed theories and approaches employed in the Western world. The book investigates problems specific to emerging markets, while identifying new theoretical constructs and practical applications of digital marketing. It addresses topics such as electronic word of mouth (eWOM), demographic differences in digital marketing, mobile marketing, search engine advertising, among others. A radical increase in both temporal and geographical reach is empowering consumers to exert influence on brands, products, and services. Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) and digital media are having a significant impact on the way people communicate and fulfil their socio-economic, emotional and material needs. These technologies are also being harnessed by businesses for various purposes including distribution and selling of goods, retailing of consumer services, customer relationship management, and influencing consumer behaviour by employing digital marketing practices. This book considers this, as it examines the practice and research related to digital and social media marketing.

With the prevalence of social media, businesses and other organizations have a growing need to utilize various online media platforms and sites to engage and interact with their potential consumer base. Virtual communities and social networking can provide an effective escape route from the limits imposed by traditional media. Using optimal strategies can lead to more successful outcomes when using these platforms. Modern Perspectives on Virtual Communications and Social Networking provides innovative insights into connection and conversation through internet media that foster trust, commitment, and transparency in business. The content within this publication represents the potential to create virtual bonds with consumers through the observation of buying behavior, social media best practices, and digital marketing strategies. It is designed for business professionals, academicians, consultants, managers, marketers, and researchers and covers topics centered on the use of online media as a method of reaching a wider population.

Unifies social science research and management theory with public relations techniques to provide a solid theoretical foundation. Covers the management as well as the techniques of public relations, emphasising decision-making and evaluation.

A new sub-area of marketing is emerging called neuromarketing. It combines psychology, neuroscience, and economics with the study of consumer motivations. This is leading to the creation of new technological approaches that enable companies to read the customer's mind and tailor marketing practices, products, and services. Neuromarketing and Big Data Analytics for Strategic Consumer Engagement: Emerging Research and Opportunities provides emerging information on the issues involved in the field of neuromarketing, including models, technologies, and the methodology of this field. Highlighting the intricacies of neuroscience, biometrics, multimedia technology, marketing strategy, and big data management, this book is an ideal resource for researchers, neuroscientists, marketers, suppliers, customers, and investors seeking current research on the integration of new neuromarketing trends and technologies.

The contribution of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) is acknowledged as an influential engine to economic growth. However, the biggest challenge faced by these SMEs is the lack of competitive service offerings for their target customers due to unstandardized products and a lack of consumer engagement and strategies. Service Marketing Strategies for Small and Medium Enterprises: Emerging Research and Opportunities is an essential reference source that provides guidelines on how SMEs can achieve sustainability through positive marketing outcomes and effective customer services. Featuring research on the assessment of SMEs’ customer service expectation, listening to customers through qualitative research, service quality model and its marketing implications, integrated marketing communications for SME environments, effective service encounters, and relationship developing strategies for SMEs, this publication provides new models for managers, industry professionals, academicians, and researchers.

Years of technological advancements have made it possible for the smallest of trades to develop their companies to sell their products all over the world. Global marketing initiatives allow a business to adapt its services and products to nations outside of its origin, increasing its annual earnings and success. However, companies must first implement worldwide marketing programs that consider cultural dimensions and customs. Localizing Global Marketing Strategies: Emerging Research and Opportunities is a collection of innovative research on trends and strategies that are necessary to ensure the success of global marketing and identify the means of global market entry. While highlighting topics including branding, consumer management, and joint ventures, this book is ideally designed for administrators, marketers, managers, executives, entrepreneurs, industry professionals, researchers, academicians, and students seeking current research on establishing long-lasting global marketing plans for a variety of industries.

Continuous improvements in digitized practices have created opportunities for businesses to develop more streamlined processes. This not only leads to higher success in day-to-day production, but it also increases the overall success of businesses. E-Manufacturing and E-Service Strategies in Contemporary Organizations is a critical scholarly resource that explores the advances in cloud-based solutions in the service and manufacturing realms of corporations and promotes communication between customers and service providers and manufacturers. Featuring coverage on a wide range of topics including smart manufacturing, internet banking, database system adoption, this book is geared towards researchers, professionals, managers, and academicians seeking current and relevant research on the improvement of cloud-based systems for manufacturing and service.