It’s time to take Social Media seriously.
Actually, it is long overdue if you have not tapped into the world of social media. Your business may have lost out because of this. Social media has changed how people connect, interact and discover together, so why would this be any different when it comes to how we learn, perceive and engage with businesses, whether this is B2B or B2C?
Did you know that 47% of customers are more likely to purchase from a brand that they follow or ‘Like’ on social media and that 91% of businesses experience an increase in website traffic due to the use of social media platforms! Bearing this in mind, by no means should social media platforms like Facebook replace your website. They should be an extension of your website, reaching out to your community and to those who could become a part of it.
Brand Loyalty 2.0
Social media users are willing to pay a 21% premium for brands that deliver great service through social media! Every person connecting to your business whether this is a Like on Facebook, a follower on Twitter or Linkedin, or a Pin on Pinterest should be valued. This connection is a statement that someone understands, cares for and identifies with your business, so much so they are willing to share this with their online community. Keep your online cheerleaders happy and they will be cheering-on your brand, generating free online marketing and growing your online community, online presence and ultimately brand recognition.
Getting started
Always be sure you are using the right social media tools for your business. Like any marketing platform, some will suit your business better than others, so do some light research on which social media platforms connect with your current demographic and have a go at platforms that might seem unlikely. Often you will be surprised to find potential business in the oddest of platforms.
So, you have slapped on a Facebook, adjusted your twitter and pinned on your Pinterest ….now what?!
Social media is more than a one-way means of communication; it is actually even more then a two-way means of communication! The biggest faux-pas is to simply post on social media platforms, sharing info now and then and hoping for the best. The trick is to engage with your audience, post and share items they will comment on and/or share with their community. Reward those who speak fondly of your business and deal with those who are spreading negative jargon about your business or even industry, the latter of course in a positive manner.
So in conclusion, the more you engage, the more active your brand is online, the more people know about the great benefits of your business. No matter what industry you work in, brand exposure to your community is key.