How is Social Media helping Barter Economy

The Internet has broadened the horizons for brands to communicate with a very vast set of audience. The evolution of social media has further lead to opening up an entire new way of communicating to the masses.

It is due to this mode of communication that an individual or a brand can reach out to their desired customers and connect with them, exchange ideas; thoughts etc. and get a global feedback on their services and products. The growing awareness about the usage of social media and its potential to influence, has lead many brands to invest a fair amount to be recognized on this platform. In the recent times, Social media has also become a key for lead generation as well.

The masses have started using this platform to reach out to the right set of people for their marketing and communication needs. An important aspect that has been fast gaining popularity in the internet space is the new age barter systems. Interesting websites and exchange portals have flourished in the recent times that help in getting rid of the extra items in the house, in exchange of a useful product. Barter was predominant years ago and soon lost its charm and importance. However, with the dawn of modern technology, it has now become a popular and cost-effective way of exchanging products. Social Media has brought the world together; barter system is making its space back.

Barter websites make exchange convenient and feasible to a great extent. Social media has further ensured connecting to the right set of people and potential buyers for products they wish to exchange thus making it a very simple and holistic process. This is a platform that people trust and are very familiar with. Hence, ensuring in this manner that it creates space for people who wish to exchange with trusted set of users across the globe. For e.g. if a person from Singapore wishes to acquire a unique vase with intricate patterns available in Kashmir, he can do so through an exchange portal at a click of a button. The power of this medium has opened up venues to not only exchange products but also thoughts, ideas, and exchange in the economy.

Why use Social Media?

Barter system in olden days died out not only because money was not available, but none knew what the other person had, to exchange. Social Media platforms are solving this issue. Creating awareness through Facebook, Twitter etc. are some of the ways to engage with the customers. Barter websites are making it easier for customers to find out what the other has and this is usually done by awareness by putting a post with links that showcase what both parties have for exchange. Social media also gives you a visual experience of the products on offer with descriptions about its features etc. that makes decision-making a far easier and hassle free task. Also, communication between both parties is seamless, as portals eliminate any third party interference in the barter.

Let us look at some of the interesting aspects that facilitate a smooth exchange via Social Media as a channel.

The funny-bones exchange!

Humor is a best approach to use as an icebreaker when a user visits your website and social media page for their first time. Quirky headlines, images, and one liner can be posted on social media handles so that the user feels at ease and trusts the portal to go forward with the exchange. This also helps engage customers and helps them bond with tentative people who would like to exchange. So humor is definitely advantageous when used through different social media channels.

The serious exchange

Many a times, we come across people who believe in simple engagement and are looking for getting done with the exchange as so as possible so that they can move on to other things. For such users, we recommend putting up interesting info-graphics and highlighting key features so that the users spend minimal time to get details at a glimpse and move forward for the exchange.

The assured exchange

Many a times, the user needs assurance on whether the exchange they wish to make will be a hassle free experience and the trust value of the exchange portal that will facilitate the exchange. For such users, social media can display testimonials and customer feedbacks on these channels to assure the user of the authenticity of the portal and also have them a first-hand experience of how customers across the globe perceive their services. This also gives credibility to the portal and ensures a satisfactory user experience.

Impulsive exchange

Social media is a platform that experiences continuous utilization. Also, various social media channels such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc. are all available in smartphones making access a very easy task. Checking updates and spending time on social media has almost become like a part of the daily chores for the audiences across the globe. Including interesting pictorial representations of replacing old furniture with new, exchanging and not so useful glass-holder for wife's birthday present etc. can trigger into an impulsive exchange. Social media can thus act as a reminder in exchanging of under-utilized products.

The Special Exchange Week

There are days allotted to different products that can be bartered. Social Media is a good channel to make people aware of the special day when certain products would be exchanged. The entire week for instance, is dedicated to exchange, of books. Voracious readers and book enthusiast can take advantage from such exchange when tweets or posts are made informing them about it.

Social Media is a tool that cannot be overlooked by any individual or organization today. It is the need of the hour as it creates brand presence and creates a bridge between the brand and its consumers.