It's a no brainer, right? Every business needs an online presence?
I'll start by giving you a clue. Yes, you do need an online presence. Regardless of the size of your business you will benefit from being visible online.
Social media is an incredibly powerful tool that can connect you with your customers, increase your brand awareness and boost your leads and sales. Seriously, what's not to love?
If you are still on the fence not knowing whether your business should be online, I suggest you continue reading!
1. It's free!
This one speaks for itself. Whilst you can spend £££'s on fancy social media campaigns, most businesses will see huge benefits from utilising the free tools available. Social media is basically free advertising and is an effective way to communicate frequently with your target audience.
2. Build brand awareness
Reach a wider audience in half the time by investing in your social media marketing. Many businesses work tirelessly to introduce their brand to their customers by phone and email. If only there was a quicker way to tell the world who you are and what you do! Create content specifically aimed at your target audience so that they can get to know you quicker.
3. Increase website traffic
If you've gone to the effort to create a professional website, I'm guessing you would like more online customers? Social media is a great tool to drive traffic back to your company website, which will in turn create more leads for you.
4. Keep ahead of your competitors
Let your competitors inspire you to do better. Keep track of what they say and who they say it to online and use it to your advantage.
5. Introduce your team
We all know that people buy from people so it's important that your customers know who they will be dealing with. Introduce a different team member weekly with some fun facts and detail around how they support your customers internally. If you run a business alone, ensure your customers get to know the real you through your posts.
6. Tell your stories
Typically no two days are the same in business. Show your customers what it's really like behind the scenes. The more you can encourage your customers to invest in you, the longer they will be advocates of your business.
7. Show you're the expert
If you're passionate about what you do and why, this will be easy to translate online through your posts on social media. Customers need to know and trust you before they consider a purchase, so use your online platform to showcase your knowledge.
8. Build relationships with your target audience
Create meaningful relationships with your customers online. They are one of the biggest parts of your business so make them feel that way by creating content that they can engage with. Create an online community by responding to customers comments to provide advice and support.
9. Promote your products or services
Use your social media to market what you do. Post professional images and descriptions and make sure you are highlighting the solutions your products or services offer to your customers online.
10. Stay front of mind
This is by far the most important factor to consider. Your customers may not need you right now, but you want to ensure they come to you first when they do. By having a consistent and professional online presence you will stay front of mind for your customers.
Every business needs an online presence
As the world heads further into a digital space, so will your customers. It's crucial that you stay with them on their journey by being visible online.
Incorporate social media marketing into your business planning to communicate, engage and build relationships with your customers online.