Social Media has become a major marketing tool for businesses and is growing rapidly every day. The two big players in the social media game are Facebook and Twitter. Currently Facebook has over a million businesses integrated on to its site and that number is blossoming every day. Facebook is a fantastic tool to further your small business. it does so by bringing you new customers on a daily basis by posting relevant and interesting articles, and giving you a fantastic and easy way to interact with your clients on a daily basis. Much like Facebook, Twitter can be used by small businesses to connect with existing and new customers. In this blog I will outline and discuss how small businesses can use Facebook and Twitter as a Marketing strategy.
1. Create Brand Awareness
The power of social media has changed the way companies carry out business. According to a study carried out by Internet Advertising Bureau UK, they found that nearly 80% of consumers would be more inclined to buy more often in the future because of a brand’s presence on social media.
2. Share Interesting and Visual Content
By sharing interesting and relevant posts gives you a chance to draw in your consumer. A great opportunity for your business to stand out on the consumer’s news feed is too showcase employees, community activities, or how customers are using your product or service.
3. Communication Is Key
Facebook and Twitter allows a two-way communication system which creates a customer relationship and builds on the businesses success.
4. Networking
Adam Ball, the owner of the design company Concept Cupboard believes that through Twitter, he was able to expand his network immenseley, he says “Twitter gives you a free platform to let the world know who you are and what you do. When you’re looking to approach someone for potential partnerships, meetings and so on, this can be a great tool to reach out to people.”
5. Monitor Competition
Social Media enables companies full access to competitors Facebook and Twitter pages. One of the best things about Facebook fan pages is that the majority of information is open and available for public consumption. This can give you a great idea of what you should be doing with your business and your Facebook strategy if you want the same love from fans too.
6. Groups & Hash tags
Using Facebook groups or Twitter hash-tags allows the small company to target specific demographic and target audiences.
7. Stand Out From The Crowd
Being creative and unique is essential for a small business. According to Seth Godin, a businesses must stand out from the crowd and be the “Purple Cow”
8. Events
Through social media, companies are enabled to publicize their events for free on Facebook and Twitter. This is a great way to advertise your event and create a buzz with your customers.
9. Special Offers
Special offers such as discounts and prizes can be a great way to reward your fans on Facebook and Twitter. This is an important strategy as it builds on customer relations and enables you to measure your effectiveness online by checking how many customers have redeemed their vouchers.
10. Keep it simple
Finally, it is crucial for small businesses to keep it simple. This is even more so important for businesses that are lesser known. Don’t block up people’s newsfeed, be concise and to the point.
Shane Murphy-Digital Marketing 