Social media platforms allow people to interact with others and share information with online communities. One of its significant advantages is that it offers countless opportunities for entrepreneurs to promote their businesses and reach their target customers.
Through social media, you can:
- Market your brand and business
- Inform customers about your services and products
- Get customer feedback
- Attract prospect clients
- Have a stronger relationship with your customers
Advantages of Using Social Media
Apart from the broad opportunities offered by social media to business owners, it has other great advantages as well, including:
Extensive client reach. Through social media, you can reach millions of potential clients all over the world. And that’s not the best part yet. It can also help you find international suppliers that would help your business.
Targeting a specific audience. Social media platforms also allow you to target a particular group of people. For instance, if you want to reach millennial customers, you can most likely see them on Instagram.
Low cost. Since creating a social media page is free, you don’t have to spend thousands of dollars on marketing.
Personal touch. You also have the chance to communicate with your clients as you integrate a personal touch into your brand’s message.
Fast. With just a few clicks, you can easily reach thousands of people.
Easy to use. Using social media is not rocket science. You don’t have to be a computer geek to get the hang of Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and Twitter so that you can get in touch with your clients without a problem.
Possible Risks
Indeed, using social media to promote your business has drawbacks too. It’s not like you can install CCTV security cameras on your online accounts, so beware of the following threats:
- Possible hacking. Because businesses have been dependent on using social media, cyberattacks and hacking incidents, have also increased over the past years. Make sure that your passwords and account information, as well as your login details, are safe and used by your trusted staff only.
- Legal problems. Before using social media, it would be helpful to be aware of privacy legislation and laws about social media use.
- Destroying business reputation. The power of word of mouth through social media can be destructive in its own ways. One adverse feedback from an unhappy customer can cost you thousands of other customers, so be careful in handling customers’ issues.
Key Components in Using Social Media
You will be more successful in using social media to promote your business if you follow the tips below. Starting with:
1. Set your objectives
Know the reasons why you’re using social media. What exactly are you trying to achieve by marketing your business through these platforms? Of course, reaching a wide range of customers is the top reason. But apart from that, it should also be your goal to spread a message.
2. Choose the appropriate platforms
As mentioned, social media can help you reach specific customers. So it would be better if you knew who you wanted to reach so you could choose the perfect platform to use.
3. Create a brand personality
Often, a brand personality will depend on your target customers. For example, funky and trendy products often target young individuals. Meaning to say, your brand personality must be something that your potential customers can relate to.
4. Avoid overselling
Even though the objective of your social media is to expand your business and help it grow, there are many things that you can do to keep your customers engaged. Post some articles related to your products, organize an online event, or greet your followers during the holidays. These are just some of the many things you can do to keep your pages active and fun.
5. Monitor customer interaction
Customers will most likely send you a direct message through your social media platforms. That is why it’s important to monitor customer interaction. Besides, monitoring is an excellent way to know if your social media pages are getting the attention they need.
6. Be responsive
How you interact with your customers is also an essential factor to consider. Always make sure that each inquiry and concern is addressed accordingly.
7. Appoint a trusted admin
If you are too busy, it’s wiser to appoint at least one or two social media administrators. They will be the ones responsible for answering queries and keeping the account engaging.
Remember that each social media platform has its own characteristics. And even though they are often free, choosing the right platform to use is still vital. Do market research and learn the most used medium of your target customers. From there, focus on the platform that will help expand your business and bring it to the top.
