In this article, we discuss specifically why social media for small business is so important.
As a small business owner, I’m sure you’re thinking word-of-mouth is your best tool for marketing your products or services. It is, after all, the most common way that business owners gain new customers. However, according to recent reports out of the Q4 Global Digital Statshot, Hootsuite and We Are Social reveal that more than 4 billion people worldwide are actively using the internet. If social media helps us tap into conversation with that 4 billion pool of potential clients, we’ll have opened up our business doors to an even wider marketplace and that’s a massive amount of potential for any business owner. In fact, 2019 could be one of the largest years for social media-driven sales yet.
Why you need social media for small business
Connect with your audience more often across a variety of social media channels. As you get to know your customers online better, you’ll probably find a social media channel that is more preferred by your specific target audience. Work in the performing arts business? Perhaps your customers like spending more time on Instagram or YouTube watching videos. Work in the travel or consulting business? Professionals that you’re targeting may spend more time on Facebook or Twitter. Once you know where to focus your efforts, you can spend more time developing your brand and engaging with your audience on that social media platform.
Build brand loyalty by being authentic and less salesy. Let’s face it, nobody wants to feel like they’re being sold to. Social media is an incredible tool that allows both large and small businesses to build a brand around an online community. It’s important to share items that are engaging and relevant to what you’re selling. Being authentic with your community will help you earn repeat customers and encourage others to enlist your services.
Remain competitive because the truth is, your competitors are already online. If you start up your social media for your small business you’ll want to establish a few things first. Determine your brand and define your message. Keep it consistent and share by posting regularly. Take advantage of opportunities to engage with your followers. Social media for small business can also be another way to provide excellent customer service. Utilize the tools that come along with each social media platform: messaging, responding to comments, and getting to know your audience.
Did you know that nearly 84% of upper executives or business owners say they have utilized social media to help make purchasing decisions?
Social media for small business
In-house operations of social media for small business owners can be less costly. However, if business owners choose to keep their social media management in-house the quality may also be far below average. These tasks can sometimes be added to a lower tier employee’s job duties and can fall to lower priority level as a result. Companies that have marketing departments may be able to handle this task better in-house.
Outsourced options may be better only if the budget can afford it. The advantages of outsourcing your social media marketing to a consulting professional or marketing agency, as a small business owner, can be straightforward. By outsourcing this task, you get the opportunity to work with an expert in the field. When social media management is outsourced to an agency, you will have a dedicated team of experts working alongside your company and brand. The agency will remain up-to-date on all the real-time changes, including algorithms, rules and regulations, and integrations of online marketing channels which help create synergies that maximize business potential.
Already on social media as a small business owner? Read another article from us here.
Socially Intuit is a digital marketing company that helps businesses harness the power of social media in order to grow and expand their brand. We help businesses establish meaningful and long-term connections with their customers in today’s digitally driven world.