Did you know that social media has over 3.16 billion users online worldwide? That’s 42% of the total population on earth. That’s a lot of people! but the amount of active users is STILL growing every day.
It’s shocking to see that over 24% of small businesses do not have any social media presence.
What worked yesterday may not work today, and what works today may not work tomorrow! Today, social media works, and it is crucial for businesses.
Social media includes Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, Google+, and more! Nowadays, having these accounts and updating them regularly is a must for any business. Here is why:
1.Customer Engagement
53% of users who follow brands on social media are more likely to become a loyal customer to those brands. When you make yourself known on social media platforms, you are making yourself known to users. Once you have caught the users’ interest, they are likely to become a customer.
Most of the time, online users click on your website, because they are already interested in your product. Social media is a way for you to be in their feed BEFORE they are even interested in your product. The great thing about social media is that when they click “follow” on your account, they will see your updates regularly, unlike seeing an ad that they will not see again. They may be interested in your product, but may not need it right that second. They can follow your account when they are interested, and you will be on the radar for them to contact you when do they need your services/products.
Unless you are constantly emailing back and forth with your customers, there is no other way to engage with them directly. Social media allows you to receive comments, updates, reviews and even suggestions from people interested in your services/products, and you can quickly respond to those comments, creating a connection with your audience.
2. Brand Awareness
Your social media accounts give you a way to communicate why your company is so great and even set a value system for your company. Your posts are a powerful statement of your values, visions, and missions as a company. So be careful! Always choose to post positive content that will uplift people, or add valuable knowledge to their lives.
Another aspect of brand awareness on social media is your reviews. This is ESSENTIAL.
85% of consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations, and positive reviews make 73% of consumers trust a local business more.
The best way to use social media to gain trust is to encourage your clients to write as many reviews as possible. Always reply to them, and create a connection with your audience. When a prospect comes across your answers directly to them, they will feel like they can trust you.
3. Search Engine Optimization
According to a 2017 study, 97% of consumers looked online for local businesses, with 12% looking for a local business online every day. That is huge!
Social Media serves as a part of your SEO. Every single picture/article you post will be recognized by search engines under your company’s name. Update your accounts regularly, and post engaging content. It will be easier for people to find you on Google when they search your company’s name.
For local businesses especially, most social media platforms have a “Location” feature. Much like Google’s “near me” searches, this can help as your very own Local SEO. Take advantage of this, and always post pictures with your location. When someone searches your city on any of these platforms to see what’s new, your posts will be on their feed!
4. Influencer Marketing
In 2017, influencer marketing was fastest growing online customer-acquisition method. It’s a great advertising method that many businesses take advantage of on social media. By asking popular users with a more significant following to post pictures of their services/products, you can offer them an incentive, or a discount on your product.
This serves as a review, and marketing tool. It will reach a broader audience.
You may also ask them to post a hashtag of your company’s name, which will increase your brand awareness, and when people click on your hashtag, all reviews/customer posts will come up. People love seeing real people with your products or services. Aside from your pictures they like to see what it looks in real life.
5. A Free Tool
Last, but not least, social media is your free advertising tool. It doesn’t get much better than that, right?
Of course, all of these platforms have the option to run campaigns, however, you can still use it to promote your brand. The most important aspect of social media is that people can know your brand. This creates trust.
Let’s say a customer is deciding between you and your competitor. They will do a background check before their final decision. If your competitor has an active social media presence and you do not, they will most likely choose your competitor, because they feel like they know them, and have a sense of connection towards your competitor.
There you go! What more reasons could you need? Don’t overthink it. Show people what your business is all about.
Get creative and open those social media accounts. Take advantage of this powerful platform and start promoting your fantastic business!
