It feels like everyone is on the Internet these days, so it would make sense for your business to use some social media itself. Social media is often a cornerstone in marketing strategies, and rightfully so. With almost 4.5 billion users across all social media platforms, social media is key to a successful business in today’s world.
The term “social media” technically covers all online communication platforms even though we think of social media websites, such as Facebook and Twitter, first. Other examples of social media includes job networking sites (eg. Indeed, LinkedIn), blogs, videos, podcasts, and social-news communities (eg. Reddit). In this post, we will break down what social media is used for, why it’s important, and some of the benefits of social media for your business.
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What is Social Media Used For?
In business, social media is used for connecting with leads and existing customers to promote your business. The power comes from being able to reach your followers in real-time. Users will learn about your business from the comfort of their own home, when they’re on the way to work, or whenever they have time to check their social applications. Social media is also often used to boost traffic for a company’s website or physical location. You could have links or previews on your social media posts and biographies that bring your leads to a more concrete location where all information on your business can be found.
When promoting your business, don’t be afraid to incorporate types of media. Build interactive websites, have personalized email campaigns. Post to Twitter for short, snappy advertising messages. Make use of all of Instagram’s features, such as including a song from Spotify to set the tone, accompanied by gorgeous shots of your product. You could also post a meme to add some humor and catch some attention. You could have a video of someone endorsing your product, too. Maybe add some effects and filters to look savvy. When it comes to using social media for your business, the true limiter is your imagination.
Because there seem to be countless reasons why you would want to use social media for your business, we have gathered for you some of the most important benefits.
Benefits of Social Media for Businesses
Connecting With Your Users
One of the main benefits of social media is that it opens communication between your company and people who are viewing and interacting with your content. You can see what products or posts are being shared, what people are saying about your company or product, and respond to any comment, critique, or questions for all to see. Responding to both positive and negative criticism is important so other potential leads can see how you respond to different types of feedback and customers. Social media also helps other people, potentially even prospective partners, reach you, as they now have the means to open communication paths with you.
Social media also helps create transparency and trust in your business as you interact with people online, helping others see how you treat your customers and how you embody your company values.
You can also ask your loyal followers to participate in the marketing! They could post on their accounts while tagging you, giving your company exposure within the user’s circle. There is also often user-generated content that you could ask for permission to use, including images, infographics, memes, and videos. By allowing your users to be part of your outreach, you can build stronger customer relationships and fortify loyalty.
Consumer Insight
Through using social media for your business, you’ll also be able to notice if your audience gravitates towards an aspect of your company in particular or if there’s something they want to see less of. Information such as how many posts are opened, and what times of the day or days of the week you reach the most people can also be recorded. You can also see how your consumer trends change, or maintain themselves, over time. You can use this data to drive your marketing decisions to make sure you’re giving your users what they want.
Maybe most importantly, you can also see how people are talking about your brand. Are the messages being sent and phrases being used in line with how you want your company to be perceived? Knowledge of how users understand your company will help you manage branding tactics.
Crafting Your Company Image
With the reach of social media, you can build how people perceive your brand. From color schemes and logos to specific phrases, you can craft your image so that people are reminded of your brand, keeping you in the forefront of their minds and potentially turning people into future customers. You can also establish your company as an authority on a topic. People want to make sure they’re buying from people who know what they’re doing. Through your content, demonstrate that you understand your product and business practices to build credibility. Use social media to build your reputation and promote it!
By using social media, your business will also have the chance to share your side of the story. You could provide some behind-the-scenes look at your systems and services for transparency, or explain your side of a customer contested issue, or highlight an especially supportive customer to show your appreciation. Having social media gives your company a voice that can help you both build and protect your reputation.
Keeping an Eye on Your Competitors
If your company is using social media, chances are your competitors are too. Through social media platforms, you will be able to see what your rivals are up to. What sort of marketing techniques are they using? What sort of products or events are they promoting? How much overlap is there between target audiences? This knowledge will help you differentiate yourself from other similar companies in the market. At the same time, you will be able to learn from them and take the best to incorporate into your own.
Staying Aware of the Industry
In today’s world, things can change quickly. One of the benefits of social media is that you can keep track of any changes in your industry, as well as any local and global news that might impact your company. There might also be political news or social events that your users expect you to speak to. Neglecting to post those messages could sour a customer’s perception of your brand.
Working Within Your Budget
You can tailor your financial investment in social media as you see fit. Social media is free and therefore available to anyone with internet access. Each platform has its own set of paid tools and deals, but you don’t need them to be successful. You can help boost your free content through search engine optimization, posting at times when people will likely check their social media, or posting regularly to increase your presence.
If you are looking for automated messaging with your leads, you could consider email marketing automation. If your business is growing and you want to automate a complex marketing strategy that implements multiple social media facets, then investing in a marketing automation software or platform is ideal.
Expand Hiring Reach
If you ever find your company in need of new hires, posting on job websites such as Indeed, Glassdoor, or LinkedIn will help you reach suitable candidates that otherwise might not have had contact with your business. You’ll be able to streamline for people meeting fitting requirements while also being able to contact them without completely compromising your company email and communications. Employees can also leave ratings and comments on your hiring profile. Positive hiring profiles will help attract potential new hires as they see that you are a company worth working for.
Importance of Social Media Marketing
Social media marketing refers to specifically using social websites, networks, and platforms to advertise your business. You could market your products or services, your values, your opportunities, anything you want the public world to know.
Using social media for your business allows you to reach audiences within seconds of posting. By maximizing the number of people you reach, you are also maximizing the number of potential customers. If you’re lucky, there’s a chance that your content will go viral, reaching a scale of popularity that you never anticipated. Viral status will definitely bring more eyes towards your company than before; just try to make sure it’s positive content about your company that goes viral.
You could also reach specific demographics through the different social media platforms you’re using. If you understand what groups prefer specific platforms, you will be able to tailor your messaging to them.
Perhaps equally importantly, most social media platforms are free, making it a tool accessible to all businesses regardless of size. This gives you the potential to reach massive crowds without having to break the bank. Social ads are also an inexpensive way to get more exposure. You could also target your advertisements to increase your return on investment.
Need Help Building Your Social Media Presence?
Now that you understand the importance of social media marketing, you might want to implement social media marketing for your business. SEO Design Chicago offers countless services regarding digital marketing, ranging from strategy consultation to helping you analyze your social media data.
FAQ:
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