Social media is revolutionising the way businesses and their customers spend their time online. Every minute of every day, 100,000 tweets are sent, 684,478 pieces of content are shared on Facebook, 2 million search queries are made on Google, 48 hours of video are uploaded to YouTube, 47,000 apps are downloaded from the App Store, 3,600 photos are shared on Instagram and $272,000 is spent by consumers online.
By utilising social media channels, small businesses open themselves to a new world of customer interaction. From understanding customer needs to building awareness on how your customers feels about your small business, the voice of your target market can be heard loud and clear. Small businesses are also poised with the opportunity to invite customers to join in the conversation in order to build positive brand identify and customer empathy.
A common mistake made by many small businesses entering the social media sphere is the inability to open the floor to the customer. Too many small businesses fall into the trap of overcrowding their social media efforts and isolating organisation-centric marketing only to their “fans” or “followers.” Social media marketing places the power in the hands of the individual customer, not the business, and asks the question: “What do you need and how can we help you?” as opposed to “Here’s what we offer..”
Content, content, content. Social media marketing encourages interaction with “fans” and “followers.” By deliverying quality content to your customers on issues directly related to your industry, product range or social emotive relevance, a significant level of trust can be created by your small business and the customer. Consider your customers’ psychographic needs and perspectives as the focal point for digital marketing methods and attempt to ignore the urge to simply sell more products or services online.
Let’s build your online presence together!
