Social media platforms don’t just exist for friends to communicate with each other anymore. Many people rely on social media as their main source of income and a host of other business-related purposes. More importantly, social media users also use the platforms as a source of information when looking for news, products, and services. Our research found that over 15 million Australians use social media and of over 90% of them are actively following at least one business page on the platforms. Now, more than ever, is the time for businesses to look at social media platforms as a place for authentic content that showcases what they have to offer. This is an original Floodgate Digital guide to social media for small to medium businesses. We’re going to tell you what to use and how to use it to its full potential.
Why do I need social media for my business?
At the basic, most obvious level, social media can be a marketing channel for your business’ service offerings. It is known to be a very profitable marketing tool because you cut out the middleman. You don’t need to outsource a marketing expert to set up your own pages and upload or publish your own content. You can use the platform to post content that goes directly to your customers and other interested clientele. Other than a DIY marketing channel, social media will also work towards building a positive presence online. Here are some of the things an effective social media presence can do for you:
Build stronger brand awareness
Social media is designed to keep everyone updated and connected with each other on a daily basis. If you get your business on the right platforms, it means your customers will see everything you post as soon as you post it. As long as your business is on social media and using it to post content regularly, it’ll be more difficult for your followers or interested customers to forget you. It’s all about free exposure and that’s exactly what you’ll get.
Build stronger connections with your customers
This is the perfect opportunity to communicate with your customers directly. Whether it’s responding to comments or engaging in similar content. Open direct messaging options so that can ask you any queries directly and you might secure more chances to close a sale. The aim to is make your business seem approachable and open to communication. You might come across a few chancers and even potential customers with a few dumb questions, but you have more of a chance finding customers by communicating with them this way.
Build a larger customer base
All the benefits listed above, will ultimately lead to you attracting more customers and more customers means more cash. The right use of social media platforms is a guaranteed way to open a direct sales funnel into your business that’ll generate more income. In your own experience, haven’t you found yourself more likely to choose a service provider who has a social media page that you find interesting and that responds to any questions you may send them immediately. If you are interactive and informative, it makes customers more inclined to use your services now and in the future. You can build a solid set of business “regulars” just by spending the time on social media efforts.
