WSI Internet Franchise Blog

It is no secret that social media is big right now and it’s growing fast. Large corporations as well as small and medium sized businesses are finding that social media provides a great medium for marketing, brand identity, and for interacting with customers and prospects. If your business already uses the Internet or email for marketing, then you should be using social media as well.

Why You Should Bother With Social Media Marketing

Social media isn’t going anywhere, it will continue to have a major impact on the way we use the web. You can spend money to advertise on social media platforms if you like, but you aren’t required to spend a penny in order to reap the benefits that social media marketing can bring to your business. These benefits can include:

• Targeted marketing
• Increased brand awareness and brand building
• Improved public relations
• Connecting with customers on a more social level
• Customer service
• Polling and surveying
• Customer feedback functions.

To get started, all you need to do is set up your profile on a social networking platform such as Facebook or Twitter. Then tell the public about your sites through your existing marketing efforts such as your website, print, direct mail, or email to get people to follow you and become your fan.

A word of caution, however, ease of use shouldn’t equate to diving in with little preparation, you need a strategy. A measured digital marketing approach is recommended, including establishing your objectives, observing how your customers are already using social media and then adopting the right personality for your business.

Your Customers are Probably Already Using It

Chances are the people you want to reach are right there. Purchasing decisions are being influenced more and more these days by public opinion, including blogs, websites, and other social platforms. Whether it’s via video, forums, blogs, dedicated review sites or social conversations, consumers are using the internet to research products, look for the best deals, the greatest bargains, and the highest level of customer service. Getting involved in ‘the conversation’ can be an invaluable opportunity to be an influence.

Keep Your Finger on the Pulse

Social media offers opportunities for businesses and individuals never before dreamed of. Consumer information that once took the form of costly surveys, focus groups, or scientific studies can now be done via free polls on social networks.

Feedback that once took days or weeks to receive can now be viewed instantly. And responses to customer feedback can in turn be given to the public in real time. Companies can now find out what the public is saying about them and respond immediately to repair or maintain their brand identity.

Websites Alone Are No Longer Enough

If you currently rely on your website to create sales or get leads for your business, you’re going to have to branch out into social media.

Social media marketing can help to drive more people to your site and is a great addition to a marketing mix that already includes other internet marketing such as search engine optimization, email marketing, blogging or paid search ads. Successful web marketing lies with a good balance of all of these methods.

Read more about how a WSI Digital Marketing Consultant can help you build a customized social media strategy for your business.