There are approximately 7.2 billion people on the planet and some two billion of them are social media users. That’s over a fourth of the world’s population. Engaging customers through a social media base has become more crucial than ever for running a successful business. Let’s explore the reasons why.
Customer Relations
Customer feedback is rewarding when running a business. Building an online platform through social media will help you get back to your customers faster and more effectively. The cut down rate of communication will help you target their needs directly and problems will be solved much faster. This will lead to better reviews and a higher rate of new and return customers. Engaging buyers on social media sites will also leave an open, virtual trail that shows your dedication to resolving issues and maintaining consumer satisfaction.
Customer Trust
The best example of this is the use of Twitter and Facebook for political candidates. A great deal of campaigning has taken place virtually recently. Politicians recognize that their reach is no longer confined to tour buses and televised speeches. They have instant, constant access to the attention of the social media world and use that to influence voters.
Ads
Have you ever been on a website and noticed that the ads are focused around items you’ve searched for in the past? This isn’t a mistake. It’s a set of specifically designed algorithms that help connect sellers to their buyers. Once you understand who your audience is, it will give you a much better picture of your selling demographic. The more information you can gather on your clients, the more tools you will have to market your product to their needs.
Sites such as Facebook and Twitter offer a ‘sponsored’ post option that allows you to advertise to users outside your follower base. Especially in the early stages of your business’ social media presence, it will greatly help develop your customer numbers and build loyalty.
Brand Awareness
When shoppers are purchasing frequently used items, they are prone to go with a brand they trust. Often this is linked with familiarity with the brand name and reputation. Sometimes, it has to do with loyalty. The basic rules of advertising are that the more exposure and positive rapport you build with a potential customer, the more likely they are to buy from you.
A great example of brand awareness building is Alison O’Riordan. Originally a freelance journalist, Alison now works as a court and news reporter in Ireland. Her online presence is strong, and she keeps consistent interaction with the world through a variety of social media platforms. It has helped her build herself as a brand, and gained her an incredibly loyal, ever increasing number of followers.
Competitors
There is no better way to keep an eye on your competitors than via social media. You can research where their strengths and weaknesses are, instantly price match and give yourself a basis of comparison to improve.
Amazon.com is a fantastic example of this. The design of the site allows an individual to monitor the competing sellers and adjust product prices as needed. It also gives them access to the competitor reviews, so they can improve upon or offer what the other seller is falling short on.
Employees
Presence on social media can also help you hire the best staff possible. Sites like LinkedIn work both as a virtual resume for potential employees, as well as a search platform for businesses looking to hire. It allows you to have a broader, more focused reach on what your requirements are, and to sift through applicants at a far more efficient rate.
Where To Start
Not sure where to begin? While internet research can be helpful, there are a myriad of websites that specialize in the topic of social media marketing for businesses. They can help guide you step-by-step through all the processes, from the best way to set up a profile to maximizing your advertising impact.
Those businesses already savvy with the social media world ensure they engage at least once a week with followers. Whether this is making a new post about a product, promotion, or asking for feedback, continuous online engagement will keep your business fresh and consistent in the customers’ minds.
Overall, in today’s day in age, having a social media presence is key in building a thriving business. So build your platforms, research your audience, and enjoy success.
Comments are closed.
