When social media platforms hit the scene over 10 years ago, there were so many companies that didn’t want any part of it because they thought it was either for kids or just a fad. Well, guess what. Social media platforms are a normal day of life as well as part of our future. We realize you’re still busy running your business and don’t have time to create posts much less engage with your audience. But the reality is that it’s here. If you’re not engaging with your target audience, then your competitor is.
THEREFORE, EMBRACE IT. DON’T WAIT ANOTHER DAY!
There’s no doubt social media has impacted the landscape of the internet, but it has also impacted your customer.
Customers no longer depend on ONLY your website to decide whether or not to do business with you. They have so many more resources to know about your company AND your competitors.
There has been a shift in consumer behavior. 10 years ago, the top three websites (based on traffic per day) were
- Yahoo
- MSN / BING
Now the top three websites (based on traffic per day according to Alexa.com) are:
- YouTube
Therefore, there is a rule in marketing (and selling) If you want to find customers, go where THEY ARE.
If you’re not active in the top 3 websites for your business, then you are missing out. Participate in at least two out of the three if you can.
To ignore the social media aspect is turning your back on potential customers. Just because YOU may not be on any social media networks, doesn’t mean that your customers are not. In fact, I’m pretty sure that they are! Even LinkedIn.com ranked at #8
One of my favorite things about social media is the diversity of the audience that they serve. The good news is that you don’t have to be in all social media platforms. Whew!
YouTube – allows you to showcase your work through video. Or even develop how to videos. Do you ever have customers calling you for “how-to” information? What are you waiting for… Put it in a video!
Facebook – allows you to connect on a more personal level with your customers. It’s also a great way to promote time sensitive material.
Instagram – is a great venue if your business is visual. Between beautiful photos of your products or services and #hashtags prospects are sure to find you.
LinkedIn – Establish your company as an expert within your field as well as connect with other professionals. Linked In has groups to get involved with and is a great way to meet prospects in specific companies.
Twitter – Connect with your customers and branding. Twitter has become a source of news. Therefore, if your company is on the cutting edge of your industry, you want to include Twitter in your marketing
WordPress – Even though this is talking about the blogs that are hosted at blogname.wordpress.com, it is still very powerful because it shows that blogs are extremely popular.
Pinterest – is a still a great option for visual products and services. Not only can user’s pin your images, but if done correctly, Pinterest will bring traffic to your website.
If you were to ask 10 of your customers which social media platform is their favorite, you would probably have 9 of 10 people give you an answer that fits within the list above. They represent customers in your target audience.
In closing, every company has something to say about their industry or the work they provide. It’s time to stop procrastinating and have your voice heard.
Of course, there is a right way to approach social media and a wrong way. If you need help establishing your strategy, please contact us. We’re happy to help.
