Do you feel pressure to get on the bandwagon of using social media as a marketing tool? Trust me, it is not just a band wagon, it is real, and it can lift your brand from existing to booming. Important to realise that it is not as easy as placing a few advertisements on your favourite social media platform. It is complex but powerful.
Before you feel overwhelmed, understand that building a social media network offers real value and is worth the effort.
Social media can be described as the way in which people communicate and interact online. It is called social media because it is driven within a social context, mainly conversations, commentary, or opinions on various interactions. For businesses, this brings both opportunities and responsibility. Opportunities in that you can build lasting relationships with clients; responsibility in that your ever move is potentially publicly visible.
Besides Google My Business, which is imperative to get your business listed when searching for it online, the most popular social media platforms are Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Pinterest. The magic lies in finding the platform(s) that suits your business the best. The first important thing to realise is that your customers are online. If your company is not visible and actively answering to their needs, your competitor will. Your aim should be to not only be present, but to delight and stand out. To build a relationship with your customers.
Business owners must understand that information moves rapidly through social media. Customers increasingly turn to social channels to share information in real time. This often includes their opinions, so be in tune with these opinions, do not see it as negative, but as a great opportunity to adapt. Think of it as tuning into the clues your audience are giving you. When doing this, social media becomes a wonderful source of insights and feedback. This can change the way in which you operate, and even with your product development. It can serve as an early warning and provide great direction and future vision.
We all know the online ‘like’ game. However, the goal for any online-present business is to move customers from liking you to defending you. Create a relationship with our customers and be sure they will not only like your page but defend you if things seems to go wrong.
As most things marketing and online, the success lies in a series of components working together. Your business should not just have an online presence – your content must be great, your customer service outstanding, your product development on time and your governances and processes to follow through, in place.
Here are a few tips to ensure that social media becomes your best friend, and not your enemy:
- Ask for help – there are many experts out there, and at a reasonable fee, you can hire someone who specialises in social media marketing and management.
- Get to know your audience and publish what they want to read
- Be visible on the appropriate channels. Cross-promotion could be a great idea.
- Monitor and listen to your audience – to just be present is not enough – you must keep an eye on the results and adapt if needed.
- Be consistent – customers must get to know your brand and your voice.
- Add value – why would someone choose you above your competitor?
Social media is a powerful tool, and worth while getting excited about – make it your friend!
The Mossel Bay Business Chamber is dedicated to support local businesses. Find a member that provides your services on our directory here: https://mosselbaychamber.co.za/members/
