Whether you're a new business or have been in the industry for years, here's how social media can help your business.
Social media, by definition is “websites and applications that enable users to create and share content or to participate in social networking.” This is great for connecting with family and friends, but what does this have to do with helping your business?
Simply, and if mastered correctly, social media can be used as a major marketing tool. Long gone are the days of billboard ads and flyers. These are things you may still want to use for advertising of course (depending on the size of your business). But “emails, banner ads, SEO- the power of these stalwart digital marketing tactics of the internet era is diminishing” according to major influencer and entrepreneur Gary Vaynerchuk. “Adding a social layer to any platform immediately increases its effectiveness, “ he says in his bestselling book Jab Jab Jab Right Hook: How to Tell Your Story in Noisy Social World, “I can't believe how many marketeers will dismiss the media habits...”
Techcrunch released stats in the summer, estimating the amount of monthly users on different social networking platforms. Facebook has 2 Billion, Youtube 1.5, Instagram was at 700 million and Twitter at just under 330 million. And at the rate at which these have all grown, it’s not surprising that the figures would now be even more.
You will not be reaching 2 billion people overnight but it does demonstrate the magnitude of users these platforms have. Not being part of this presence just seems like a hugely wasted opportunity. Why wouldn’t you potentially want more clientele, recognition, revenue or business?
Another upside to using social media is that it’s cost effective. You may wish to spend on advertising or ‘boosting’ a post but this is optional. If you do particularly like a blog post or art and often not a lot for a single post.
The main thing with social media is the upkeep. In order to be successful you must be consistent, so try not to spread yourself too thinly. Perhaps start with 2 platforms. Look at your competitors or similar businesses to see where they were most successful. The fashion industry for instance, does very well on Instagram because it’s all about imagery. Whereas perhaps a smaller business may do well on Facebook because the reviews portion on a page will build up your credibility that way.
Also quantity doesn’t always equate to quality, especially where images and videos are concerned. There is very little point in posting content just for the sake of it, users will scroll straight past something if it doesn’t look worthwhile or original.
It may seem like a daunting process at first but trust in your content and your business, and take advantage of the most current and successful marketing tool of 2017.
Feel free to check out this post by Lucy Shall that you may find useful: 7 social media tools that will make your life easier and help grow your business