1: It locates your customers and builds clientele
Many people use Social Media regularly. It allows us to keep up with what’s happening, follow our favorite businesses, share our beliefs, and much more. Social Media is my new office water cooler. People are talking and are eager to hear from you.
Before purchasing a product, service, or business, customers must trust it. People trust their family and friends more than any other person. It is reasonable to expect that your customers will be more likely to buy what you have to offer if they hear about it from someone trustworthy. It is possible to market your products and/or services by mainly word of mouth.
Your friends and family are the best way to spread your ideas via Social Media. They can share your business posts/pictures/videos on their accounts, and your business will potentially be in the hands of hundreds of new customers. Sharing is caring, right?
2: It provides you with an indication of what people think about you and your company.
You can monitor what people say about you and your company and respond to any comments, good or bad. You can use Google Alerts (www.Google.com/alerts) to see who is talking about you and your brand. Google Alerts allows you to create alerts with keywords such as your name and business name. When Google searches for those keywords, it will send you emails containing the websites that match your search criteria. This is an excellent way for you to see what others are saying about you on multiple Social Media Channels.
3: This allows you to get to know customers and your audience.
Social media opens up communication channels between business owners, potential customers, and millions. Wow! Imagine how many people could become your customers. This kind of marketing is impossible in the offline world. Communication is essential. This is how you can get to know your customers and understand why they are a good fit for your target audience.
It will be possible to create a wide range of content to promote your products and services. Your customers will notice you creating quality content. Customers will begin to comment and reach out to you. This is your opportunity to interact with them and have a conversation.
Content is meant to help customers respond so that you can build relationships. Content can include polls, surveys, and contests. Videos, live Q&A sessions, and more are all possible.
4: It’s an easy, natural way to get your name out! It builds brand awareness and introduces your brand.
Social Media is, for the most part, free. What? Free Advertising/Marketing? Yes! Engaging content should be posted on multiple social channels. This will enable your customers to get to know you and the benefits of your products/services.
This will make your business more accessible. Think 24/7! Social Media makes it easy for people to find you anywhere. A more accessible business is a business that customers can trust.
* Customer testimonial videos can be created and uploaded to YouTube, Facebook and Instagram.
* Inform people about new products, giveaways, and partnerships.
* Be proud of yourself! How are you doing in business? They are what your potential customers want to learn about you.
* Create a buzz! Create a memorable identity for your product or service to get the word out.
* Establish yourself as an expert. Forums and message boards are a great way to earn respect and be considered an expert in your field. Then people will look up to you for help. To host “Live Q&A,” you can use many apps, including Periscope and YouTube Live, Facebook Live, Instagram, and Facebook Live.
5: Be there for your clients/customers! Social Media is a way for us to communicate in real-time.
How many people use Social Media? It’s a lot! Social Media is my new Google Search. Social Media is being used by people to search for and follow local businesses via Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Engaging with businesses on Social Media is quicker than doing a Google Search or visiting your company’s website.
Go where your customers are. Social Media is already being used by your competitors to promote their businesses. Don’t be left behind. Take a look at the following list to learn how you can get people talking about and sharing your content on Social Media.
* Industry news, upcoming events, and new hires – what can you share with people to get them talking?
* A great way to promote client events. Let your customers know about potential partners and spread the word about local businesses.
* Help potential customers to recognize you as someone they can help by making it easy for them to see your content.
* Share links to relevant articles, websites, or videos. Make sure to grab their attention and encourage them to click on the link.
* Tell about an event you attended or are currently attending. Invite your audiences.
* Be helpful: Create content that helps professionals make professional decisions.
* Be interesting: Create an infographic or spark conversation about a news event. Keep it fresh and fun!
* Help them to help others: We need information we can share with our network. Even though the information you share may not be relevant to your customers, they might know someone who could benefit from what you have. Sharing is key! Your business can now help more people and possibly even create new customers by sharing their experiences with friends and family.
Christina Williams, the founder of Savvy Tech Consulting, is an entrepreneur, speaker, Microsoft Office Specialist, and graduate student. She is also a social media enthusiast. Christina is a computer trainer and consultant who helps small businesses to make use of Social Media to increase their online presence. Article publishers and webmasters are granted permission to reproduce this article as long as the piece is in its entirety and the author’s information. Any links must also remain intact. Copyright 2016, Christina M Williams, Savvy Tech Consulting