Why your small business should be using social media

Over the last several years, there has been a huge spike in the number of businesses using social media. With social platforms offering a cost-effective way for these businesses to market themselves and interact with their target audience, it is no wonder that so many have moved with the times and have incorporated social media within their marketing strategies. This spike in popularity means that social media is no longer an option for a business, it is a necessity.

If you are a small business who is still sceptical about how you could possibly benefit from social media then take a look at these top reasons. You can begin reaping the benefits that social media has to offer, no matter the size of your business.

1.Social media: a cost-effective marketing tool

Social platforms are a cost-effective way for your business to get your brand in front of the right people. Tweeting, posting and sharing on social media will cost your business all but your time.

Platforms such as Twitter and Facebook offer effective advertising tools, if your business wishes to invest a little within your platforms, this is where your money is best spent. Using keywords and demographics (such as age, gender, interests), these social platforms will enable you to target your desired consumers.

2. SEO: Search Engine Optimisation

For small businesses, appearing within the first page of search results may seem nigh on impossible without investing a lot into adwords. Through sharing content on your social media accounts your business will be aiding the search ranking of your website. This is because major search engines, such as Google, pay attention to social signals such as the sharing of content and interaction on your social media – helping you to rank higher.

3.Great customer service is easily achievable

The beauty of social platforms is how easily and quickly you can interact with consumers. This especially comes in handy when it comes to customer service. Whether a customer has been pleased or dissatisfied with your business, they are more likely in this day and age, to share this experience with others on social platforms.

By having social platforms for your business, you can manage this feedback, good or bad, and quickly answer them in a public format. This enables you to solve the issue that the customer has or thank them for their positive feedback, making them more likely to recommend you to others – 71% of consumers who receive a quick response on social media, say they’re more likely to recommend that business to friends and family.

Not only this, but through answering them in a public format others will see the quick and high quality customer service that you offer, forming a good reputation for your business.

4.Social media is free to use, yet adds value to your business

Sharing content on your social platforms offers something else to the consumer, as you could be educating or entertaining them with your posts. This adds value to your business, as you are showing that not only do you provide services and products, but you are also positioning yourself as an expert in your field, giving the consumer all the more reason to purchase from you.

5.Compete with your competitors

As a small business, it is vital that you remain on the same level as your competitors, to ensure you are not outshined by them. This is easily achieved through the use of social media.

Your business can look into what your competitors are doing on social media and incorporate this within what you are doing, or even better what they are doing. Through social media, your business can also connect with your current and potential consumers, enabling you to put your brand in front of them and show that you are just as active, if not more active, than your competitors. Social media enables your business to compete with your competitors, without having to spend a fortune.

Now that we have educated you on the several advantages social media has to offer to your small business, it is time to start reaping the benefits and incorporate social media within your business today.