Social media and SMEs
We are in the middle of a digital era with the social media acting as a conduit for information. Social media is no longer a want, but a need. As your customers, your prospects continuously spend more time on social media the platforms have become the go to source for product information. I, for one, believe you owe it yourself to be visible on social media.
With the ascendancy of tech giants like Instagram, youtube and facebook many companies have adopted them. It’s now an impossible feat to run a successful SME without a digital footprint. It is of paramount importance to let it be known that you have established an online presence. Come to think of it, it will be of no use to have a digital presence and yet no one knows about it. For example, it would be indispensable to have links to your social media handles in all forms of communication.
Small business can unlock the potential of social media through capitalising on the boom of social media influencers. A partnership with social media influencers can take a business to new heights. When people talk about your business online this builds credibility. These days it only takes one person’s enthusiasm about your products to go viral. I have noticed that recommendations from friends and family play a huge role when it comes to consumer decisions. Leading to increased brand visibility and awareness. Influencers both large and small help businesses tell their stories. Besides, collaboration is key to engaging content.
The perks of investing in social media are monumental. For a start, you are united with all demographics. Thus, guaranteeing access to your prospects. I think it’s safe to say social media has endless opportunity. Come to think of it these social industry giants provide direct access of customers. By posting different kinds of surveys, pictures, contests and questions can be key in attracting the attention of your customer.
To get the most from social media l recommend frequent and consistent engagement. From Instagram stories to whatsapp statuses. Please note, out of sight out of mind. Keep your social posts entertaining and informative, and your followers will be glad to see your new content in their feeds. Posting three to four updates can keep you on top of your target audiences’ feeds, where you should strive to be always. Consistency is the golden rule.
It’s imperative that small businesses accept that social media is here to stay, if not to flourish. Networking has never been easier with the popularity of Facebook and Instagram locally. You get to connect with other business owners via social media. The payoff is huge. Networking helps you generate lead referrals, get career advice and develop relationships that inspire each other’s growth.
Small business can harness the endless possibilities of social media as a giant advertising platform. Social media is one of the fastest-growing advertising channels in the world. I am of the view that social media should be inextricable from the business operations. It has levelled the playing field when it comes to marketing and communication. Through, facebook and Instagram retargeting ads you can easily reach your target audience. It can be your market place and you can directly market your products and ideas. Advertising via social media should be the norm rather than the exception.
Social network sites have a sterling reputation of giving businesses the opportunity to be in direct contact with each client, listening to their needs and feedbacks continuously. This also allows each brand to improve gradually getting closer and closer to its customers and improving their experience. This direct link creates a human, honest and very trustworthy relationship.
Now is the time to jump on the TikTok bandwagon. TikTok is the fastest growing social platform having reached 1 billion users in 2021. Once there, multiple hashtags, making videos with trending songs and short enticing videos can get you noticed. It gives your business a chance to be relatable.
With the financial hurdles brought out by the COVID-19 pandemic, every dollar counts. And, Social networks can be very useful to save money. Not only in terms of marketing strategy, as through social networks also you can do market research or recruiting staff through platforms like LinkedIn.
With any of your content, it is imperative that you consider your overall goals. Are you trying to generate new sales, raise more awareness or boost traffic to your website? I, for one, believe that with measurable goals nothing will stop you from slaying the competition.
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