Social media is not a fad, it’s a trend. It is continuing to expand and reach larger segments of the market. Most business owners are comfortable using social networking sites for personal use however, the concept of incorporating it into their business seems foreign, daunting and confusing.
According to a recent article on Social Times, 46% of web users turn to social media when making buying decisions. To proactively capitalize on this, more and more small-to-medium size businesses (SMB) are incorporating social media into their marketing strategy. The same article reports 3 out of 5 SMB are attributing the acquisition of new customers to their use of social media. As a business owner, the question now becomes - How can I use this information to my advantage? Here are three tips for diving into the social media pool.
- Show off what you’re doing!-Having a visual component to your business will help with branding and personalization. Even online, being able to build rapport and create a personal touch, is important. One way to do this is through the use of videos. Provide visitors to your website or social media pages an introduction to you, your team and your organization. Consider providing a behind-the-scenes look at operations. Another great use for videos is client testimonials. Reviews and testimonials go a long way online, why not try to capture them on video?
- Share your expertise-Creating your own content is a great way to connect with your audience. Start where you feel comfortable. This content can be in the form of articles, blog posts, infographics, pictures; the only limitation is your imagination. Think of what your audience would like to see or learn about and tailor your message to that. Not only does this allow you to utilize your creativity, but it also establishes you as an expert in your field.
- Look to your clients-Satisfied clients are invaluable. Let your clients know you can be found on social media. Give them reasons to stay connected and engaged with your pages. Client reviews and testimonials can speak volumes for your brand. If your clients share something noteworthy and relevant to your audience on their pages, share it on yours! This is a great way to be supportive and help them gain additional exposure. In turn, they may do the same for you at some point.
As you can see, there are more options for gaining business exposure and engaging with people online than just your traditional social media postings. Be creative and tailor your message to your audience. Show your expertise and personality. These tips will help you easily branch into the online realm when it comes to your business’ marketing plan and help you be accessible to those turning to social media when contemplating purchases. Which of these tips do you plan to begin utilizing in your business?
Sources
Ahmad, Irfan. “#SocialMedia 2014: User Demographics For Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and
Pinterest – #infographic.” Digital Information World. 13 Oct. 2014. Web. 1 Feb. 2015.
About Stingray Advisory Group LLC: Stingray Advisory Group LLC is based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. By creating dynamic customized solutions for business growth, we empower businesses and entrepreneurs with the tools to further their development. We assist with strategic planning, marketing, business registration, website development and more. Follow us today on Facebook, LinkedIN, Google+ and Twitter for more helpful tips!
Contact the author, Managing Member, Leandra Williams, through email at Leandra@stingrayadvisorygroup.com
