SEE INFOGRAPHS BELOW.
For the first time in history, Nollywood fans now have the ability to be a part of film projects from start to finish within the comfort of their homes. Our day to day life proves that social media is the tool that keeps us connected all over the world.
Almost everyone who uses the internet does some type of social media marketing online. Every time you update your status on Facebook or Twitter, you are indirectly promoting that thing you are talking about. Big companies are beginning to take advantage of this same pattern; Socialmediatoday.com posted on one of their articles that “A new BIA/Kelsey report says that social media ad revenue will reach $11 billion by 2017.” Meaning marketing and advertising profits via the use of social media will reach $11 BILLION by the year 2017!
If nothing more is said, it is clear that there is money to be made on these social media platforms we play on every day.
The following are the Top 5 reasons why Nollywood should use social media to promote their films.
1. The ability to build an online presence:
Social media is one of the most influential tools vigorously spreading the Nollywood experience all over the world. Take Mercy Johnson for example, she is well known in Nigeria but social media is the gear taking her works and reputation all over the world. The same currently holds for the actress Tonto Dikeh. Every comment these celebrities make on Twitter and Facebook does one of two things; keep their current followers count the same, or add more to it. The more public and irrational their behaviors are, the more people tend to want to know them and follow them. At the end of the day, it is just a number's game.
Below is an infograph put together by “CloudTactix”, in the graph you will see that Facebook generates 73% more leads (new customers) for businesses than any other website.
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2. The ability to easily expanding your fan base:
Facebook is one of the easiest and best websites to unite people for almost any cause. Filmmakers looking to expand its fan base should take a closer look at social media. With social media, filmmakers now have access to an unlimited number of people to market to. Moreover, tools like Hootsuites or Tweetdeck allow the ability to automatically update status on multiple social media platforms all at once. Most importantly, Social media allows a relaxed environment to narrow the search for new customers in a comfortable atmosphere.
In the Infograph put together by “Social Media Week Lagos”, you will see that 45 million Nigerians are actively using the internet and 54% of them are accessing Facebook via mobile phones. This information is very useful for anyone looking to market to Nigerians.
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3. Solidify your Brand Name (Trademark):
There is power and respect behind a reputable brand name. Take Ramsey Nouah for example, everyone who watches films in Nigeria knows who he is. His name alone brings to the table his qualifications and his ability to deliver. Most people will pick his movie over anyone else’s because they already have a rough idea of what to expect with his persona on screen. Another good example is Van Vicker, in Europe, Van Vicker represents one of the finest products coming out of Ghana. His name carries a certain price behind it. Due to proper branding and representation, the right story is being told all over the world concerning these actors. Social media is one of the driving authorities spreading this buzz around.
In the Infograph below put together by "Web Presence", you will see that most companies take for granted the authority behind their social media presence and band name. “Only 26% of businesses regularly include a "call to action" in their tweets”.
4. Get more Ticket and DVD sales:
One of the biggest obstacles for African independent filmmakers is the ability to take control of product sales. Most of the time, Nollywood movies are made on a small budget, and marketing is usually not included in the original film budget. Promotions are usually done outside of the film budget at the filmmaker’s personal expense. However, to avoid these headaches, most filmmakers sell the rights to their movies to private film distributors. This act in turn severely limits the amount of profit the filmmaker is able to make. As a result, they typically end up only covering to original cost of production.
Those who go as far as building a website or a blog for their film projects have the upper hand in acquiring sales. In addition, one of the key factors for a functioning website is driving enough traffic to the site. The more new people see your site, the more familiar they become with your product. However, solely driving traffic to the website is not good enough. The underlining factor is that, traffic sent to the website must have the ability to be converted into leads, and then eventually into actual product sales; the answer to that unspoken question is Social Media. Social media is one of the cheapest, effective, and newest ways to draw targeted traffic to any given website. More so, there are several options to choose from. Options include websites like, Facebook, Twitter, Tumbler, Instagram, LinkedIn, Google+ (GooglePlus), and Pinterest. All of these websites offer both free and paid marketing campaigns.
Below is an Infograph put together by “Intuit”. In the graph you will see a 12 month plan on how to put your product in the presence of the right people. With patience and proper use of this tool, filmmakers now have the ability to take control of product sales.
5. Getting support :
The key element in film making, is the ability to acquire enough funds to begin and complete a film project. The good news is, the African film industry is shifting for the better and it is now mandatory for filmmakers to acquire the best film equipment and film crew when possible. It is obvious that films coming out of Nigeria these days are not only made for Nigerians. There are Nollywood fans all over the world. The bad news is, "Na money kill am!" (there is never enough funds). Furthermore, Nollywood artists are now heading abroad to feature in films, therefore enabling competition in compensation. These new factors although mostly new to the industry, require adequate funds to accomplish.
With social media, filmmakers have the opportunity to acquire individuals with a passion for the industry. Many times money may not be the issue; it may be the need for man-power, equipment or location. Through social media, one is able to find accredited individuals hungry, willing, and happily to fill these positions free of charge, in exchange for proper accreditation and being a part of the film project.
Below is a graph put together by Bentz Whaley Flessner, the graph shows how the acquisition of investor online is better than any other form. The graph shows that an average donor will give away $200 in their lifetime.
Blow is an extremely short survey. From the list of social media websites included in the survey, which one do you like the most?!
Don't worry, the following survey is confidential. **
No one (including "Nollywood Spotlight") will be able to see your personal information.
ALTHOUGH REPRESENTATIVES FOR THESE SOCIAL MEDIA WEBSITES WILL SEE THIS SURVEY, THEY STILL CAN NOT SEE THE NAME, PICTURE, OR INFORMATION OF THE PERSON WHO PARTICIPATED IN THIS SURVEY.
HAVE FUN!!
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