There are a number of ways that social media can be used to spread the word about a new product.  Let us look at three main types of ways that this can be done.

First, it is possible to market the new product via one’s own Facebook page, Twitter feed, or other social media.  A firm simply announces the new products on its own social media.  This allows those who have already been following the firm to be aware of the product.

Second, it is possible to advertise on social media.  For example, eNotes has (or at least had) ads on Facebook.  Potential users can see these ads and become interested in the product.  Enotes also sometimes posts questions found via social media so that they can show the people asking them how quickly they could be answered.  This is, essentially, a form of advertising.

Finally, many firms try to use third parties to promote their products on social media.  They try to identify people who are influential on social media networks.  They might then send these people samples of the new product.  If the people like the new product, they will be likely to publicize it on their social media feeds.  Since they are influential, this will be beneficial for the firm.

In these ways, firms can use social media to market new products.