Whether you’re a new entrepreneur or a veteran business owner, one of the most common marketing campaigns includes social media. But for many, it may seem like an inconvenience — after all, there are only so many hours in a day.
However, with 2.8 billion people using social media at the end of 2016 (according to Hootsuite’s Global Overview), it could be a valuable tool to both new and established businesses. But what can social media bring to your business? Here are three reasons to join a social media platform today.
#1: Be Part Of The Conversation
Everyday, millions of people use social media to find new products and services that fit their needs. If you’re not part of the social mediasphere, you’re missing out on the conversation. Nearly 50 percent of Americans say it’s important that the business and organizations they engage with have a social media presence. And if those customers aren’t seeing you in their social media searches, they’re certainly seeing the competition.
As Forbes wrote, “Your competitors are already involved on social media, which means your potential social media traffic and conversions are being poached. Don’t let your competitors reap all the benefits while you stand idly by.”
Even if you only spend a few hours a week working on a social media presence, it can yield results. According to the Social Media Examiner annual report, marketers have seen results in their business’s exposure with less than 10 hours a week dedicated to social media.
#2: Develop More Loyal Customers
It seems counterproductive to spend time online, and less time interacting face-to-face with clients or customers. But, in fact, you could develop additional loyal customers through the use of social media platforms. Whether you’re responding to questions on Facebook or promoting an expertise on LinkedIn, people will notice. Americans believe customer service is important, and 59 percent of social media users agree that customer service via social media is key to an excellent business practice.
However, this is definitely something that could separate you from those competitors — only 21 percent of businesses are using social media to provide customer care, according to a study done by Buffer last November. Why not stand out in the marketplace as a customer-oriented business?
#3: Increase Traffic
Whether your business retails products or services clients, you want prospective customers viewing your website. Social media platforms have the potential to increase the traffic to your website. In Social Media Examiner’s report, 78 percent of marketers reported seeing positive traffic impacts from their social media strategy. Additionally, 52 percent saw increases in sales as well. In the report, marketers ranked traffic increase as the second benefit of using social media — only behind exposure (ranked #1). By engaging in social media, you can not only improve how you are seen but how often as well.
Conclusion
No matter the platform — Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, or the number of other social media sites — you can find value in exposing your brand to new audiences. You could even find your next loyal customer.
You’ve probably realized by now that Social Media is no longer an option. In fact, it is a vital and highly successful tool for building a business. Aliya Hammond Consulting is an online Digital Marketing, Training, and Consulting Company headquartered in the greater Philadelphia area. We specialize in Social Media Management and Marketing, Social Media Training, Blog Writing, and Graphic Design Services for small and large businesses, entrepreneurs, and non-profit organizations. If you are looking to improve or increase your online presence, you can rest assured you are in good hands with us. Contact Aliya Hammond Consulting today to find out how we can help your business grow!
