Māori-Owned Business Social Media Analysis | NZ Assignment

For this assessment, you are required to select a real Māori-owned business currently operating in Aotearoa New Zealand. You will analyse how this business uses social media networks and online communities to support its goals. Your task is to evaluate principles and practices, conduct an audit, compare with similar businesses, and design appropriate social media guidelines. Note: You must provide real examples and relevant screenshots where required.

Task 1: Business Analysis Of Social Media Networks 

LO 1: Evaluate the principles and practices involved in creating and using social media networks in a business context.

LO2: Investigate the effectiveness of online communities of practice and social networks in organisations as part of a business strategy.

a. Evaluate two (2) principles of social media networks that this business can apply to improve its social media presence and business outcomes. (LO1)

b. Evaluate two (2) practices of social media networks that this business can apply to improve its social media presence and business outcomes. (LO1)

c. Conduct a social media audit of this business, including its use of online communities, and identify two (2) current challenges it faces. Provide screenshots to support your analysis. (LO1&2)

d. Investigate a similar business that effectively uses online communities in its social media marketing to build trust and support its business strategy. Provide supporting screenshots that show their success. (LO2)

e. Evaluate two (2) technical challenges newcomers face when joining a social media group. For each challenge, explain how these are related to the principles and practices of effective social media network design and use. (LO1)

f. Evaluate two (2) social challenges that newcomers face when interacting with existing members of an online community. For each challenge, explain how it affects the way the community engages and interacts on the social media platform.(LO1)

Task 2: Design Appropriate Guidelines

LO 1: Evaluate the principles and practices involved in creating and using social media networks in a business context.

LO2: Investigate the effectiveness of online communities of practice and social networks in organisations as part of a business strategy.

a. Identify three (3) challenges faced by this business in using social media networks for business purposes.(LO1) (3 marks)

b. Recommend three (3) social media platforms suitable for the business. For each platform, list:

• Two (2) advantages relevant to the business’s goals.
• Two (2) disadvantages or challenges the business might face. (LO2) (12 marks)

c. Investigate how each chosen social media platform supports the growth of brand awareness, customer engagement, and the development of online communities that promote the brand. Provide relevant screenshots to support your analysis. (LO2)

d. Provide three (3) examples of how a different business has incorporated online communities into its business strategy. For each example, briefly explain how the online community supports the business’s strategic goals. (LO2)

e. Provide two (2) examples of interactions between sellers and buyers on social media (e.g., comments, reviews). Investigate how these interactions can build customer loyalty and increase sales in the digital age. (LO2)

f. Based on the chosen business, evaluate two (2) important considerations for using social media and online communities. Investigate how these affect the business’s success. (LO1&2)

Experts Answers on Above Questions on Maori Owner Business Analysis

The business selected for analysing its social media network strategy is Kakapo organics which is a Maori owned skin care business in New Zealand. The company is actively present over social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram.

Two principles of social media networks

The two principles of social media network as applicable to Kakapo Organics are authentic brand storytelling whereby Kakapo Organics should perform sharing of stories about Maori values and sustainable harvesting practices. This kind of story telling activities helps in connecting with customers and strengthens trust and buld values. The second Major Principle is Community Centre engagement whereby Kakapo should encourage its customers to share their experiences with its skin care products, and the organisation should respond promptly to comments and messages.
These principles with respect to its social media strategy would result in a stronger online community and higher customer retention.

Two practices of social media network

The two practices of social media network are consistent content schedule which includes publishing 4-5 posts related to skin care products including skin care tips, Maori traditions and product demonstrations. The second practice is user generated content such as reposting customer reviews and tagged product photos in order to increase credibility and organic promotion.

Social media audit

The companies currency using social media like facebook and Instagram where by Facebook allows the company to regularly update its customers about its products, allows for customer reviews and responsive messaging. Instagram on the other hand provides opportunities in sharing high quality Product Photography, and allows for Maori branding effectively.

Online community usage

At present, the customers interact through comments and reviews, but the current challenges as noted with respect to the company are limited video content and low participation with the community.

Business using online communities

The similar business that is making use of online communities is Aotea Made and it is successful because it performs regular sharing of customer stories, uses Maori cultural storytelling, and encourages product reviews and discussion.

Two technical challenges for newcomers

The two challenges are mainly in respect to issues in navigating technical challenges for newcomers, as new users would find difficulties with stories, reels, hashtags, and shopping features. The second major change is privacy concern, as the new user may hesitate to share personal information.

Two social challenges

The two social challenges are the fear of negative comments, as new members may avoid posting because of Criticism. The second challenge is feeling excluded, as established members are more likely to interact on a frequent basis.

Three business challenges

The three business challenges identified are limited customer engagement, inconsistent posting schedule and strong competition from International skin care brands.

Three suitable social media platforms & platform contributions

The three suitable social media platforms are Instagram, facebook and Tiktok. Instagram allows for sharing photographs and effective product visuals, and high engagement through reels. But it requires frequent content creation and there are rapid changes in algorithms on a regular basis. Facebook allows for strong community reach but there is a declining younger audience on this platform. TikTok offers opportunities in terms of viral potential but it requires creative short term videos.

Three businesses using online communities

Three such businesses that are using online communities are Lush Cosmetics that shares customer created content in order to increase the trust of its customers, GoPro allows its customers to upload adventure videos with helps it in promoting products organically, and Airbnb which host share travel experiences and it allows in building trust and brand loyalty.

Two Important considerations

The two important considerations for Kakapo Organics are to represent the Maori cultural values respectfully, and pay strong emphasis on customer engagement and reputation management by responding to comments promptly.

Want Detailed Answers with References?

The analysis of social media strategy of Kakapo Organics, a Maori owned business in New Zealand revealed important findings which lead to suggestions about appropriate social media strategy for further improvement in its performance. If you are also looking for analysing the social media strategy of a New Zealand owned business, visit our New Zealand assignment help page to get a professional expert. Also get access to assignment answers from New Zealand Skills and Education College as written by our experts in NZ.