10 reasons why your business needs social media

Social media has moved from being a novelty to being a deliberate strategy to engage the public.

So why do you need to find the time to concentrate in this space, when you are already flat out doing all the other things to make your business work?

Simply, all businesses can benefit from having a social media strategy.

Here are ten good reasons to make your mark on social media:

1. Increase brand awareness

There are more than 3 billion people world-wide using social media. Instagram users ‘like’ over 4.2 billion posts per day. Brand awareness should be the most important aspect of your marketing campaigns on social media in the early stages. First impressions count but it’s the ongoing brand awareness that improves customer loyalty. It takes more effort in money and time to win customer the first time than it does to secure their repeat business. You want raving loyal fans. Use your social media strategy to gather them.

2.Tell your story

Social media is a networking and communication platform that allows you to create a voice and humanise your business. Even big corporations no longer wish to be faceless. They use brand ambassadors to tell the story of their products and services. Social media allows you to connect directly into people’s messages and to show up on their feeds. For small businesses in particular, it’s the perfect way to say, ‘Hey this is me, this is what I believe in, this is why we should work together!’ Customers want to know the face behind the brand – show them. SHARE VISION VALUES AND MISSION IN AN AUTHENTIC WAY. It’s what you do, not what you say, that counts.

3.Position yourself as an industry leader

Posting insightful and well-written content on your social media establishes you as an expert and leader in your field. Use your blog and website to show you know what you are talking about. This is in turn will attract potential clients to your site. Offer valuable information via an opt-in or white paper, in return for their email address. If they like what you have to say they are going to stay, read more, want more. Offer support, answer questions, be the first to share. By being communicative, connecting with your audience and sharing content, you promote your authority. The effort is well worth it.

4.Increase traffic, leads & sales

Social media is the ultimate place for lead generation and sales. Lead generation is all about bringing people alongside your story. The more you connect, the more you know about your potential clients and the more they know about you. Social media makes this whole process so much easier.

According to Hootsuite

90 percent of top decision-makers say they never respond to cold calls. On the other hand, 76 percent of buyers are ready to have a conversation on social media

Your social networks and strategies need to align with your sales goals and targets. Use social media to promote word of mouth, which drives 20 to 50 percent of purchasing decisions.

Content creation & information

Social media is not just about what you as a business put out there. It’s also about what you get back. By engaging with your existing and potential customers you have access to a wealth of knowledge that will drive your future business decisions.

5.Promote content

The numbers of followers on each of your platforms represent a person, who at some stage has pressed like or follow, because they want to engage with you or you content or your product. Utilise your warm audience to promote your new content and share information about your business. With one click unsubscribe options you know if people are hanging around because they want to hear from you. Show up. They want to know more – so tell them.

6.Manage your reputation

Digital marketing methods not only increase your business and brand visibility, but also build your reputation. If you ever find yourself in damage control social media is the perfect way to put a professional response out quickly. You can follow along with what people say about your brand and make use of positive comments to promote. Use negative responses as a means to improve or the opportunity to dialogue and change opinions.

7.Source ideas

You have a willing and ready customer base that can quickly respond to your questions.
You will know what your community wants; all you need to do is ask. Listen to what they are asking. Where do they hang out online – are you there too? Get their opinion and listen to what they don’t say. You can also make use of Google and YouTube and the search engines if your audience is not as developed as you would like. Start there and then move on to people.

8.Engage your audience

Social media is more about social than it is about media. To be successful on any platform you must engage. Answer the comments – say thank you – show up. The benefit is you get to know your audience better and can target your services and products accordingly.

Marketing & Return On Investment

9.Drive advertising

With detailed analytics, social media provides a mechanism to clearly defined target audiences. The demographics provide insight into advertising opportunities allowing specific messaging. Keep in mind while there has been a significant change in how Facebook appears, social media ads are still relatively inexpensive and quick in comparison to traditional media.

10.Analyse data & Report

Social media platforms have in-depth tracking and analytics. With monthly and quarterly tracking you can easily review your ROI and see the impact your social media strategy has on your bottom line. While some may argue that it’s difficult to get a clear ROI, its important to work out what your strategy and goals are and then track those metrics accordingly. Utilise the inbuilt reporting on each platform as well as third party apps to track your data. You might just be surprised at the results.

There you have it – 10 reasons why you need to get into the social media space. With 53% of small business not utilising social media, now is the time to come on board.