If your company hasn’t taken advantage of social media, you could be missing out on the opportunity to increase business results and profitability. Social networking sites such as Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Google+, and others are free to use. When they’re used properly, they can drive traffic to your website, convert visitors to customers, and increase your sales and revenue. Let’s find out why social media is important and how it can help grow your business.
Social Media is an Important Marketing Tool
Social Media Week 2012 SP (Photo credit: Fora do Eixo)
Connect and effectively communicate with customers.
Your customers use social media. They’re on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Some of them can be found on StumleUpon and other social networking sites.
The bottom line is that your company wants to be where your customers are.
Here’s an Example:
Bank of America uses social media to communicate and assist their customers with any questions they may have.
Customers with a specific question can connect with Bank of America at @BofA_Help. This is a good way for Bank of America to track how many customers use this feature.
Your industry has a social media presence.
Google your industry and other businesses in your industry, chances are they have a social media presence. See what they’re doing and find out how you can set yourself a part from them. Don’t get left behind!
Social networking sites will continue to develop.
Let’s face it; other social networking sites will be created and the current ones will evolve over time. Choose the best ones that work for your company. The ‘big three’ are Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
Tip: Social networking sites will come and go. Pay attention to social networking trends and use social networking sites that have staying power.
FYI: The newest social networking site is Pinterest. However, make sure you READ ALL TERMS AND CONDITIONS because there’s been chatter about the legalities of using Pinterest.
Social Media: What Your Company Can Do Now
Get employees involved in social networking.
Employees may resist the idea of social networking and social media; however, it would be in there best interest to get behind your company’s online marketing strategy.
Mashable’s social media demographics INFOGRAPHIC clearly shows who’s using social networking sites and where they can be found. It’s no surprise that most people use Facebook.
Embrace social networking, it can be fun.
It’s amazing that your company can connect with customers on a national, international, or global scale. Have fun with social media — keep the tone light and conversational.
Display social media icons on your website.
Make sure icons are visible on your website. Don’t make visitors hunt for them. Place icons at the top and bottom of your website. If you have a blog, include a ‘share’ button on posts.
Be active.
Hire a social media manager and or ask a freelance writer to ‘tweet’ and post Facebook status updates (manage your social networking).
FYI: Most social media managers put 30+ hours into social media.
Automating social media sites could appear mechanical and cold. Break it up by having blog posts automatically post to Twitter and Facebook. But engage in ‘real’ conversations too.
How has social media increased your business results and profitability? Share.
Related articles
- 2 Tips on Using Social Media to Get Found Online (morecustomers.wordpress.com)
- Steps to Achieving Social Media ROI (socialmediatoday.com)
