In today’s technology-saturated world, businesses must be as tech-minded as ever. If you thought you were covered by simply having a website for your business, think again! Websites are standard fare for businesses today, and the bar keeps rising.
For businesses to keep up with the competition- and their customers- it is crucial for them to have a social media presence. According to Lifewire, “Social media are web-based communication tools that enable people to interact with each other by both sharing and consuming information.”
Common social media platforms that businesses utilize to draw in clients include Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Tumblr, Pinterest, Snapchat, YouTube, and LinkedIn. If you are dipping a toe into the social media world, consider starting with Facebook and going from there. The investment of time will be well worth it- read on for six ways to leverage social media for your business.
Showcase Authenticity
Consumers are more likely to shop at smaller businesses when they have something unique to offer. Be sure to have a well-developed brand, then show it off on social media. Keep your posts and content true to the business. You will catch the eye of potential consumers and begin to create a following of like-minded individuals who will appreciate what your business has to offer.
Communicate Authority
Be sure that your web and social media presence is appealing to potential customers. Old or outdated information will turn off a potential customer right away. Additionally, consider sharing information pertinent to the products or services you offer that would be of interest to your customers. The more you can show that you and your business know what you’re doing, the more likely a customer will be to seek out your services.
Interactive Involvement
Social media users are often flipping through their screen looking for something unique to catch their eye. What interesting insights into your business can you offer? Marketing Insider suggests posting a series of Instagram stories, giving customers a behind-the-scenes look at your office. If that’s not your cup of tea, perhaps your customers would like a quick question and answer session via Facebook Live.
One great way to do this is to create a Youtube channel. One business, called Washify, has created a whole series of YouTube videos. Matt D’Souza, the vice president of sales operations says, “These videos include customer testimonials, informational pieces about our company and business practices, and instructional videos on our products. This is a great way to connect with customers and get the word out about our business.”
Figure out what works for both you and your customers, and give it a try. They will appreciate the effort and you will appreciate the additional advertising.
Provide Support
Social media is a great way to offer support to consumers. Keep an eye out on social media platforms for consumers in need of advice or assistance. This will reflect positively on your business, create a sense of caring and community, and promote your business with an air of authority on the subject.
This can be accomplished by:
- Carefully tracking customer comments on social media outlets
- Be as positive and helpful as possible
- Refrain from negative communication and know when to resolve matters via private messages
- Allow customers to feel heard by listening to criticism and responding in a caring way
- Respond as quickly as possible to customer comments
Customized Spending
Social media is a great way to advertise your company for a budget you decide is appropriate. Platforms like Facebook and Instagram offer easy to use ad campaigns that can be set to a budget of any size. With an ad campaign, you will get the biggest return on your investment when you know your target demographic. All social media platforms offer insight into ads, including the demographics of who clicked on them and which were most successful. The more ad campaigns you do, the more you will learn and will be able to tweak the ads to create the best results.
No money for an ad campaign? No problem! Social media offers ways of getting your business name and products or services out there without it costing a dime. Simply create an account and share relevant content, and potential customers will begin to see what you have to offer.
Gain Followers
Social media is a great way to gain followers, which are people who have expressed an interest in your business. Used correctly, social media can allow you to reach a large number of people and tell them something about your business or your products/services. The more people who are aware of your business, the more of a chance you have of them becoming your customers.
Figure out what appeals to your customer base, and use that knowledge to your advantage. Be creative- the sky is quite literally the limit!
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