Social media marketing is the way of the future and many businesses are already tapping into that gold mine. You merely have to log into Twitter or Facebook to see suggested pages or promoted tweets that advertise businesses and their services or products. Businesses of all sizes, but especially small and mid-sized businesses, can use it to their advantage.
Why Small Businesses Should Use Social Media
Some small businesses might excel at doing their own media. A firm with fewer than 50 employees, for instance, might have a few social media enthusiasts on staff who can handle the company’s Twitter feed, Facebook page, LinkedIn profile and any industry-specific networks. Firms with more staff would likely be wise to let an outside vendor handle their social media marketing, allowing personnel to interact with clientele and continue to build the business. Being concerned that an outside firm might not understand the inner workings and needs of the business is valid; however, it’s possible to find a social media company that works well for any type of company. Simply be prepared with a list of questions, such as how the vendor plans to represent the company’s brand, and you’ll be able to engage face-to-face with your customer base while your online needs are met.
Since small businesses have fewer clients, they are able to interact more meaningfully with their audience through social media platforms. Of course, social media is also about reaching a new audience, but the main draw for many companies is it allows them to engage with current and potential clients. Larger companies must attempt to field interactions from thousands or possibly millions of people, which is a more difficult task. However, for small businesses that only have hundreds or fewer in their audience range, they can effective engage and communicate with clients. If you maintain your social media presence and interact consistently with your audience, you not only build trust with your existing customer base, but you will attract more clients and fans who will become more likely to try your products or services.
With the advent of smartphones and Wi-Fi readily available in many coffeeshops and libraries, people are exposed to advertising like never before. It is no secret that mobile marketing is the way of both the present and the future. When a small business chooses to invest in mobile marketing, they allow their campaigns and audience to freely interact. At any given moment, at any given location, someone could be seeing your message, meaning customers don’t have to do the footwork to seek out your company.
In taking advantage of social media, perhaps with the guidance and aid of outside experts, small- and medium-size businesses can more meaningfully and consistently engage with their customer base. Using strategies attached to mobile marketing as well as social media, small businesses can reach new clients while holding onto and interacting with their existing customers. The interplay between company and customer might just be the key step a business needs to increase in size and become a global presence.