Facebook has totally changed the way we interact with one another. This impact has created the need for connecting with consumers on social media and should be a part of every small business owners marketing strategy. The most important aspects of being on social media is that it helps you build brand awareness; tell people about you, more than what you do, it’s about your uniqueness and value. The ability to share images and information about you will create an interest in your business, build loyalty with current customers, and gain new customers by word of mouth on a digital scale.
Today’s consuming habits are driven by an online search or by a social influence. We’re seeing customers conduct product research online and then head to a physical store to purchase. Google found that 76% of people who search on their mobile devices and PC’s for something near me (local) will visit that business within 24 hours of their search.
As a brand, you have an opportunity to engage potential customers through social interactions, before, during and even after they buy your products. When you have one satisfied customer who talks about your product or services online, it generates interest, people may start to follow your page, share, like, forward, and all this activity will lead to more business.
But this all doesn’t happen by magic, it takes a plan, a strategy, understanding your persona, developing the right content for them. This is why you should really work with someone who has this experience to help you integrate your social media activities with your business plan.
The top 3 reason why social media marketing is important in growing your business:
1) Attracts new customers: social media offers a place for your current customers to recommend your brand to their friends and family. Through leaving you positive reviews, tagging your business or sharing your posts on their feeds, your customers’ circle of friends and followers will eventually hear about your brand – and more likely to be interested in trying out your products and services, too.
71% of consumers who have had a good social media service experience with a brand are likely to recommend it to others.
96% of the people that discuss brands online do not follow those brands’ owned profiles. (Source: Brandwatch)
2) Improves search engine ranking: If the buying experience starts with an online search than your social media presence can be a significant factor to Google and Bing. The more you engage with your customers and share content on your social media accounts, the higher your SEO ranking will be.
In 2019, 52% of all worldwide online traffic comes from mobile, 45% from desktop. 36% of SEO experts think the headline/title tag is the most important SEO element
In 2019, 52% of all worldwide online traffic comes from mobile, 45% from desktop.
70% of marketers see SEO as more effective than PPC.
61% of marketers say improving SEO and growing their organic presence is the main marketing priority
3) Keeps costs down: While social media cannot replace traditional advertising in your marketing plan, using social media activities to market your products and website helps you expand your reach without increasing your cost. Placing posts on social media is free, but you may want to understands what to post and why.
Creating a Social Media Strategy is really the first step in building a social media presence. Before you dive right in and publish something on social media, you should think about your goals and what you want to achieve. What are your goals? Which social media platforms do you want to focus on? What type of content do you want to share? What type of content will attract your target audience best? Is it images, videos, or links? … I know , who knew there was so much to think about before you hit “share”.
In today’s age, there are so many social platforms to choose from and yet, as a small business owner, it’s hard to be active operator and manage your outside business development on your own. My advice would be to let the people, with the related skills, help you grow your business. Inventory people stock shelves, cashier’s ring things up, waiters deliver service, growcomtwo will help you grow your business.