Social media – it’s one of the most overhyped words in online marketing – so much so that many service professionals have thrown the baby out with the bath water and given up. However, when you learn to use social media consistently and correctly it can be a great boon to your business.
Here are five reasons why social media should be an essential part of your marketing toolbox:
Social media has grown exponentially in the past few years, but few realize the sheer speed at which it’s grown. Food for thought – it took radio 38 years to reach 50 million users and it took television 13 years to do the same. Facebook doubled that amount in less than nine months – they added 100 million users in less than a year! So many people are involved, it’s impossible to ignore any longer.
Unlike other forms of marketing online that require a lot of technical details and understanding, social media is relatively easy to implement once you learn the basics. It’s just a matter of defining your message, finding your audience and spreading the word. And most importantly, being social!
Small business owners are always looking for ways to meet the needs of their market – and there’s no better way to do that than through social media. It might take months or years to develop a relationship with a member of your target market via email marketing. But social media is like personal networking on hyperdrive. You can connect with your market in real-time on issues that they care about and become part of their trusted network of friends and advisors.
When it comes to marketing your business online, consistency is key. Inconsistent marketing efforts will produce disappointing results. Fortunately, social media makes it easier than ever before to be consistent with marketing. You can set up your updates ahead of time – a week at a time – and let them run automatically. This consistent presence helps build your brand and produces better results.
Other forms of online marketing can put layers between you and your ideal customers. But with social media – you’re right there! You get to see what they are up to, what they are reading and what they care about, and they get to know you too. It’s win-win!
What does this mean for your business? When used correctly, social media can create more visibility, opportunity and profits for your business. Take the time to research your target market and see how they are interacting on social media so that you can determine how best to use this tool to achieve your goals.
I will be sharing this article to NGO’s I am working with in Cape Town