Kroger Uses Social Networks To Enhance Business

Social networking sites allow publics (individuals, families, companies) to see businesses perhaps in a different way than they have in the past. Although less formal than official company websites, these social networking sites are a great compliment to the formal site. These sites are used as a means of enhancing and strengthening the business. Back up for one second though, we have to give Kroger a lot of credit because before the internet was even a twinkle in our little eye The Kroger Co. was an exceptional business. Not only were they achieving great success as a superstore, but they were running full speed against their main competitor: Wal-Mart. So, first it was the internet which obviously blew business up in a big way. Now, it is social networking websites, and these have the potential to expand business just as much.

Kroger uses Facebook and Twitter as their main social media networking sites. The Kroger Co.'s Facebook account includes company information that can also be found on the website. There are a few things that set Facebook apart from the official website. First, publics have the ability to become "fans" of the Facebook page. This enables them to comment on any status and company updates as soon as they are posted. Also, this page allows consumers to stay "in-the-know" about the newest of the new at Kroger. This site was created as a general reference for fans to keep in touch with the company as a whole. However, each fan (probably) shops at a specific store in a particular region, so comments on Kroger’s Facebook page can also be geared towards those certain stores.

Twitter, a social networking site used primarily for updating statuses, is a great way to keep consumer awareness of Kroger news up. The company recently launched a Twitter account called "KrogerDeals

." The Twitter account updates publics including consumers, employees, prospective employees, etc. on what's new and exciting at KroCo.

If I were the PR person for Kroger, I would absolutely be sure to frequently update both the Facebook and Twitter accounts in order to keep all possible publics informed of new things that are going on; new products, promotions, events, etc. I would also create a Linkedin account, because this particular social networking site allows businesses to connect with one another as well as to scope out the competition. This is important because it will allow Kroger to keep in contact with other companies who do business similar to Kroger.

The use of social networking sites is important for a variety of reasons. Mainly, people all over the country use sites such as Facebook, Twitter, and Linkedin. So, for instance, if someone has not heard of Kroger before but has any one of these accounts, they can easily stumble upon Kroger's account. And let’s face it; this is a guaranteed love at first sight!

Why Kroger?

I chose to blog about The Kroger Co. because after doing some research on this and some of the other top companies on the Fortune 500 list, I decided that Kroger would be a very interesting business to follow. There is always something new going on whether it is a special offer, feature, sale, etc. Changes in the company are made often enough so that the PR department plays a significant role in the business’ collaborative success. The company website is appealing, interactive, easy to navigate, andd colorful without being flashy.

This blog will be about the new products and services that Kroger is offering. It will discuss different sectors in the public relations field and how The Kroger Co. public relations department handles projects and situations. It will also feature the corporate news as well as what is happening on a smaller scale in certain regions.

The Kroger Co. is ranked among the top 20 food retailers in the United States. Specializing in customer service, this business is centered around food and drug retailing. With its headquarters in Cincinnati, OH, Kroger operates 2,475 superstores in 31 states throughout the all regions of the U.S. with the exception of the east coast.

Listed at number 26 on the Fortune 500 list, Kroger has been in business for over 125 years. Founded in 1883, Barney Kroger's original company motto was: "Be particular. Never sell anything you would not want yourself." Over the years, the company has managed to maintain it’s refined reputation, and with $70 billion in annual sales, Kroger is ranked second in general retail to Wal-Mart.

The overall reputation of Kroger is positive, however, the PR department could potentially face issues regarding the lack of information on the negative things that have affected the company in the past. While it is, of course, always better to highlight the positive things that happen to a business, it is also very important to mention the negative experiences the company has undergone. Without this openness of Kroger to its customers, there is the possibility for an element of skepticism to raise the eyebrows of Kroger consumers. Hey Kroger! Let the crisis management team show off a little, will ya?

To communicate the company reputation, PR associates issue press releases on The Kroger Co. website. The team that edits the website uses graphic tools such as colors, fonts, size, and pictures to emphasize the positive and negative things that are happening in the company.