Meriam Webster defines social media as “forms of electronic communication (such as websites for social networking and microblogging) through which users create online communities to share information, ideas, personal messages, and other content.”
Sounds simple enough, but what does that mean for you and your business?
Social media has evolved from being a way to keep in touch and interacting with friends and family to becoming an integral component of a business’ marketing strategy. In today’s world of constant digital interaction, it is hard to be successful without it. But for many in the business sector, before they can improve their social media presence, they must first get a better understanding of what social media is and learn how to leverage it beyond surface level interactions.
Social Media is – Increased Awareness
With over 3.196 billion active users, social media should be the go-to for any company looking to attract new customers while keeping their current ones aware of new products and services. According to Facebook Business, 60% of people on Instagram say that they discover new products using the platform. What used to cost businesses hundreds of thousands of dollars through commercials and print advertising now only requires a fraction of that budget by using social media channels to promote and sell the same product or service.
Social Media is – A Validator
An active social media presence can show that a company is in tune with industry trends and thus will have a better awareness of what its consumers want, and don’t want, out of a product and service. According to Growth Gurus 63% of consumers who search for a business online are more likely to use one with an informative and engaged social media presence.
Social Media is – Direct Interaction
Whether it’s engaging with consumers through “live videos” or encouraging influencers to endorse products on their personal pages, companies are taking a more direct approach in developing relationships, and its working. The person endorsing or co-signing a product no longer has to be a segmented celebrity, now a company can utilize multiple brand-loyalist in various demographics.
Companies also have begun to integrate their customer service departments into their social media pages. This gives consumers direct access to someone to resolve issues. In many cases, you are no longer regulated to holding online hoping to reach someone who can answer a question.
Social media is – A Website Conduit
If done correctly, organic (free) and paid ads content created on social channels can encourage traffic to your website. If the correct demographic is segmented through analytics, even if someone is not interested in the advertised item/event, there is a high probability that they still will visit your website to see what else you have to offer.
Word-of-mouth advertising is still powerful in today’s digital world, it just now takes place via chat convos held on various social live channels or Google Hangouts. During these online conversations, links and images on the hottest products or services are dispersed at a rapid pace.
Social media is – A Temperature Gauge
Hot or cold, social media will hold nothing back in letting you know the public perception of your company. If a customer has had an experience with any aspect of your company they probably will discuss it on one of their social accounts.
Positive and negative commentary in the form of reviews is good. It provides the business owner a glimpse into what the consumer is thinking or how they are interacting with their brand. Negative reviews can provide insight into what is not working, dialogue with the consumer for corrective action, and a teaching opportunity also.
If you have come to the conclusion that your company’s perception of social media was out of date and needs a brand overhaul, let Osky Blue help you leverage these tools and incorporate a cohesive social media strategy into your overall marketing plan. Contact us today!