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.

The type of networking sites marketers choose for their campaigns is relatively simple to choose when there is a comprehensive definition of one's demographic. Mobile app users, for example, spend an average of an hour on the application daily, and the fact that it offers a budget-friendly way to socialize creates a specific target market for those focused on middle income groups.

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.

Image sharing media are gaining ground throughout the country. Video sharing sites generate the most interest from Western Cape locals. This target market is interested in quality of life above career, although the Cape has niche subcultures that sustain thriving professional lives at a slightly slower pace than Gauteng dwellers.

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.

Advertising executives with enough skill and talent to establish an effective digital campaign can easily gain ground against competitors. Competitive advantage is easier to achieve because SA's advertisers haven't yet developed enough skill to master this form of marketing. Despite the fact that SA's advertisers are some of the best in the world, advertising through social networks in South Africa hasn't been professionally perfected.




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