Local celebrities tell us why social media is important for their careers.

Social media; we love to hate it, but can’t live without it. Because you know the etiquette and the rules we won’t bore you with the do’s and don’ts. Instead, we’ve spoken to a few local celebrities and asked them to share why they think social media and online brand management is important for their careers.

Oyama Dyosiba, Owner of Oyama Management Agency

Social media makes it easier to communicate and reach the masses in the comfort of your home or office. Thus, I am able to be up-to-date with the latest trends and developments in my field. Thanks to online brand management, my brand has grown substantially.

Dalin Olivier, Stand-up Comedian

It’s extremely important. Online and social media is the future. It’s the way in which I build my base. It’s important to take advantage of every opportunity.

Mmusi Maimane, DA Leader

Facebook and Twitter are crucial tools for communicating with voters and ensuring that they always feel in the loop on campaigns and other communication. I enjoy the feeling that people are involved in our plans for their own country.

Watch: Can social media affect my career?

Zoe Zana, South African musician

Social media is extremely important and almost bigger than television now. It’s been one of the most important things in my career. I have come to love keeping my supporters updated via the various platforms. After IdolsSA, with the help of my management, I used social media to mould my brand, so it’s an exciting time for me as an artist.

Sasha-Lee Davids, South African musician

Everything is digital these days; buying albums, downloading, advertising shows to booking tickets. Social media is possibly the biggest platform you have to let people in on anything you’re up to and tracking the amount of support you have. Some people get famous just by always posting a little video online. There’s obviously a lot more work that goes into managing a career, but honestly, it’s so much easier today then back then when all your energies were put into making detailed banners and hanging them wherever you hoped people would read them.

Dalen Lance, Televison host

It’s been an important contributor to communicating my value proposition to clients, the media and fans alike. It’s allowed me a certain degree of control over my key messaging, and image. I’ve identified and positioned my brand as one that favours a niche market, which crosses over certain demographics.

By using social media and other online tools I’ve had the opportunity to target those markets more effectively when it’s time to engage on particular projects.

Shajar Khan, Miss International South Africa 2013

It has been very important. I manage myself and have been doing so since I started modelling and doing pageantry with the help of my sister, Mamtaz Khan, who also manages my brand. We can truly say that online branding is vital; from what you post to how you post it. Also maintaining that image throughout all social networks is so important.

A factor that contributes to being considered as a socialite or celebrity is that one needs to have a large social network following. This is a means of networking, and also creating publicity and awareness around your brand.

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