I regularly attend various local Chamber of Commerce events and am constantly being asked; “Do I really need to use social media?” My answer is always yes. However, the amount of time, money and effort you need to invest depends on the business, the same goes for your business.
Let’s start with exactly what social media marketing is. Here is the definition from Wikipedia
Social media marketing refers to the process of gaining website traffic or attention through social media sites.
Social media marketing programs typically focus on efforts to create content that grabs attention and encourages readers to share it with their friends and family. Resulting electronic word of mouth (eWoM) refers to any statement consumers share over the Internet (eg, websites, social networks, instant messages, news feeds) about an event, product, service, brand, or company. . When the underlying message is passed from user to user and presumably resonates because it appears to come from a trusted external source, as opposed to the brand or company itself, this form of marketing results in “earned media” rather than “earned media.” paid”. ‘.
1) Your customers spread the word. When you do good work for your customers and/or clients, it’s easy to get them to comment, like your posts, or watch your videos. The best way to do this is to remember to ASK THEM! When you incorporate this into your standard operating procedures, it becomes a habit. Once it becomes a habit, it’s amazing how quickly your customers and/or clients will spread the word for you.
two) Social media can put you in front of people who are hard to reach. With most platforms it’s all about reach. Whether it’s friends of friends on Facebook or second and third degree connections on LinkedIn, you can reach your targeted audience quickly and easily.
3) Drive traffic back to your website. For most businesses, the biggest challenge is traffic. Whether it’s people walking through the door or people visiting your website, you need traffic. Do an online search for your own name. What comes first? I’ll bet pennies to dollars that it’s a social media profile, if you have one. Search engines like Google, Yahoo and Bing give a lot of “credit” to active social presence. It’s social proof! Make sure people can quickly and easily find their way to your website from all of your different profiles.
It works for you while you sleep, this is my favorite! Once you establish your presence, develop and nurture your following, you will be able to wake up in the morning and see Comments, Likes and Shares. And if you’re up for it, people will have bought your products and services in their sleep!
