If your small business isn’t using social media, you could be missing out on significant value. This could be your avenue to new customers, insights into your brand, and audience and engagement opportunities with customers and competitors alike. Maybe you started out with great intentions for your business page, but have since lost interest. 2021 may be the time to step up your game. Since much of social media is free, it can be a highly cost-effective way of reaching your customers in a personalized way.
Here are a few reasons why you should work toward engaging customers with social media:
It’s Where Many Consumers are Going for Information: It’s great way to promote your brand. Approximately 71% of consumers are more likely to recommend a brand to other users if their social media interaction with that brand is positive. The reverse is true if their experience is negative.
It’s Economical: With the ability to target ads to your exact audience this makes social media a good value. It can generate quality leads, higher conversions and eventually sales.
Ability to Sell to a Larger Audience: You can increase online exposure by using social media which will drive increased traffic to your website.
Boosts eCommerce Sales: Use retargeting ads or showcase products with Facebook Carousel ads. Use shoppable pins on Pinterest so that customers can click through to your landing page. Consider Instagram or Facebook to share short video stories to drive sales. Offer social-media only offers.
Keeps You Connected: Mailing addresses, phone calls, email, and contact forms on websites are all helpful, but if the customer has a quick question to ask or wants to show you some love they tend to do this through social platforms. They allow your business to engage with your customers quickly and timely.
It Increases Inbound Traffic: Another important effect of connecting with customers through social media is that you may quickly see an increase in inbound traffic. Because ads are so targeted, you’ll find that many people who see the ad find it relevant and click through to your online store or website.
Improves Search Engine Optimization: Google ranking is important for potential customers to find you. The more your business is mentioned on social media, the better your site’s SEO will be.
Go to the sites where your brand’s voice will be at its strongest and able to engage with customers while still getting its overall message across. Remember social media is SOCIAL! People scrolling through are looking to be entertained, educated and provided with value. Use the rule of thirds – Promote your sales, promote your industry and promote your community.
The key to making connections and selling products/services through social media is to have a plan. Before you dive in, take a moment and think about your goals. Are you on the right platforms? Are your customers on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Tumblr, Linkedin, YouTube or Snapchat? Knowing where your key customers are will help you to narrow your focus to the place that will garner you the best results.
Have fun with it. Know your audience. Be consistent. This means sitting down and coming up with a social media marketing strategy that includes each platform you plan to use. Mid-West Family La Crosse has a team of people who specialize in helping businesses with social media. Have questions, drop me a note or click for a free digital analysis. What’s in it for you? More customers, more business, more MONEY!
