Social media is online communication that allows you to interact with your customers and share information in real time. This can help you to reach your customers better, create online networks and sell and promote your products and services. It can be easy to get carried away when using social media for your business. It’s wise to tread carefully and be aware of both the pros and cons before you start.
Benefits of Using Social Media to Grow Small Business
Increase Leads
According to Social Media Examiner’s 2017 Social Media Marketing Industry Report, more than 65% of small businesses are on social media to increase leads. But the biggest advantage of using social media isn’t just the leads. It’s the ability to generate highly qualified leads through advanced targeting.
Customer and audience engagement
Social networks allow you to interact directly with customers and fans, and likewise give them the chance to interact directly with your brand. Unlike traditional media, which offers only one-way communication, social media is a two-way street.
Humanize your brand
The ability to create real human connections is one of the key benefits of social media for business. Introduce your followers to the people who make up your company and showcase how existing customers are using and benefiting from your products. Authenticity builds trust. Trust, in turn, builds marketing receptiveness and drives new business. And social is the best place to get real!
It’s a Cost-Friendly Option
With social media comes the choice of completely free marketing and advertising for your business. You can post as much as you want, at any time, without spending a penny. Even building a profile is free. It’s recommended that businesses pay for sponsored advertising to boost their business and posts on social media, which is always a good idea, but even then, this option won’t break the bank. Promoting your product and special offers on social media will always be low-cost.
Social Media is Fantastic for Customer Service
Excellent customer service is at the top of any business’s priority list, and social media makes it a whole lot easier. Consumers love contacting services and businesses via social media, and if you have an active query and messaging service, this will help in generating more gratification.
Encourage Engagement
Sometimes, a seemingly simple social media post, such as one promoting a pair of shoes, can receive several likes, comments, and shares. People can even ask strangers in the feed if they have received their shoes, how long the shipping took, if they liked them, and other questions. Social media opens the conversation for instant interaction, relationship building, and customer loyalty.
It allows you to respond to their feedback.
Branching right off the above reason is the art of response. In the event that a consumer makes a negative post on your Facebook page, you can quickly respond to their concern to ease their worry or correct the problem.