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 unusual characteristic is the fact that it combines third and first world countries into one. Another niche trait is that many lower income groups use premium gadgets, which alters the traditional approach to target market advertising. Computers are not a luxury affordable by all, but most earners own a smart phone. SA's marketers thus need to place particular focus on mobile networking options.

Campaigns established according to demographics are relatively easy to create in SA because of the stark division between subcultures and locales. Many who use mobile networking applications, for example, dedicate 60 minutes of their days to these sites. That these kinds of networks offer an affordable way to communicate gives marketers a direct way to influence middle income earners.

Multi media social networking sites are growing faster than any others in the country. Urban dwellers, and middle to upper income professionals are the most common members. Those who use dedicated professional networks are growing less rapidly. Their members are mostly white collar professionals, especially those working in the finance industry.

There are several South Africa networking media that are focused on low income earners. They have been marketed through consumer products and have been able to generate an enormous following that poses a threat to some of the globe's most successful websites. Companies with target markets that fall within this group cannot compete without developing an integrated campaign that incorporates these kinds of applications, because their average membership features over a million daily users.

SA demographics are easily split into the locations of digital users. For example, Natal locals are showing more interest in mobile media. This laid back, sporty demographic has a sociable, relaxed attitude to life. Those in Gauteng are the most avid professional network users. Gauteng locals are famously career-focused, and have significant earning power.

Picture sharing media are growing in popularity in all regions of SA. Video-based networking is more integrated into Western Cape life. This demographic is typically focused on obtaining a higher quality of life, although thriving careers are not unusual in this area. However, unlike Gauteng, Cape Town life is more sedate.

SA's networking sites are gaining ground more quickly than they are in other countries, with many media showing an annual growth rate of more than 100 percent. This development includes corporate usage, as brand managers develop marketing teams dedicated to online campaigns.

Marketing managers with the talent to develop strategic digital campaigns gain a significant competitive edge. This is the result of a general lack of savvy among advertisers as to how to develop an integrated campaign on social networks in South Africa. Despite the fact that the country has some of the world's most talented advertisers, digital marketing remains misunderstood by many.




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