Social media is a great way to generate brand awareness, highlight your industry and position yourself as an expert. Every small business should have an online social media today presence today. Without an online presence, business owners will miss opportunities, reduce visibility, and place your business at a complete competitive disadvantage.
Consumers are constantly engaged in online and social platforms. From scrolling through Instagram feeds, watching the latest TikTok trends and catching up with friends on Facebook, we are all connected to these social giants.
Leveraging your social accounts to reach your target audience and gain traction for your business presents an incredible opportunity for small businesses to create brand loyalty through the unique dynamics of each social media platform.
In short, social media is a powerful tool that can be used to grow your business. If you’re not using it, you’re missing out on a huge opportunity.
Create brand loyalty with social media. Listen to the episode here!
The Social Media Frenzy
In 2005, when social media was in its infancy, only 5% of people in the United States used it regularly. That number grew to 70% in 2019 and is still rising. Contrary to popular belief, it is not just young people who use social media to connect, build relationships, and learn about brands.
Critical Marketing Channels For Small Business Success
Social media has shifted from a marketing channel to a customer service tool. Consumers now use social media platforms in the same way they once used phone books. When a company is easily found on social media, potential buyers can find contact information and reviews of their products and services.
Leveraging social media marketing strategy allows small businesses to be authentic, tell their story, offer exclusive deals and get feedback and reviews. When social marketing is executed effectively, it can create brand awareness and engagement. It can also be used to generate qualified leads and drive traffic to your website where you can nurture your leads to become paying customers.
The Downfall To Social Media for Small Business Owners
Small business owners have many responsibilities, and it can be difficult to decide where to focus their time and energy. Some prioritize online socials, while others neglect it.
Does your relationship with social media fall into the love-hate category? I know mine does. Social media can be a time-consuming and distracting task in your business. It requires creating and sharing engaging content, as well as checking in regularly to interact with your followers. It can also be frustrating, as only a small percentage of followers will see any given post.
Despite these challenges, social platforms can be a valuable tool for small businesses. It can help businesses connect with customers, build relationships, and drive sales. However, it is important to remember that social strategies are not a silver bullet for your overall marketing plan. Businesses should also focus on building their own websites and blogs, which they own and control.
Overall, social media is a necessary part of your overall marketing strategy, but it is important to use it wisely and not rely on it exclusively. Make sure that you are not relying solely on social media to market and grow your business.
Develop Your Online Presence
Your website is your greatest marketing asset and this is where the sale is made. First and foremost, your business needs a website. This should be the number one place you are developing an online presence. As a small business owner, you know that closing the sale is crucial to your growth and success. But, how do you get people to your website? A blog can help you drive traffic to your website organically.
While your website, blog and email marketing strategies are still in the TOP 3 marketing channels for 2023, it’s important to note the power of short form video content in your social strategies. Short form video content is picking up steam and you are behind the curve if you are not leveraging video in your marketing plan.
Every business is different and can use various social media tools to achieve their business goals. Ideally, you should use at least two social platforms that reach your target audience.
Some of the more popular channels for product and service based businesses include, but are not limited to:
- YouTube
- Tik Tok
If you sell products online, you should take advantage of TikTok Shop and establish a presence on Amazon. Both of these platforms are at the forefront of product-based businesses.
Use AI to Save Time and Money Creating Content
As the small business landscape evolves it’s important to remember that AI is a powerful tool that will unleash opportunity for growth in your business.
Artificial intelligence has unleashed a beast. These incredible tools are worth investing in saving so much time creating social media marketing strategies, graphics, video and content. However, it is very important to keep the human touch when using AI resources. Your readers know when your content is not authentic and genuine. Artificial intelligence has greatly improved productivity and efficiency and it is decreasing overhead costs significantly for small businesses. But, it cannot replace the human connection that all humans long for. AI will provide important data driven information but keep in mind it is the human touch of authenticity, empathy, creativity, and genuine connection that will create a social space people love to hang out in.
Social Media Will NOT Die
Rumors have flooded the internet for years about social platforms closing or dying off. It is unlikely that sources like Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Tik Tok will fade out or go away. Of course, some of you remember MySpace days. While it is true that not all social platforms that launch will make it, it is safe to say that social media is indispensable and is not likely to go anywhere. It will however evolve and it is important to keep up on the latest trends. One of my favorite social media marketing reports is produced by Social Media Marketing World each year. It reveals what marketers have planned for their social activities, content marketing, and so much more. Even better, it is FREE!
Creating brand loyalty through social media is a dynamic and ongoing process. It requires an understanding of your target audience, consistent branding imaging and messaging, engagement, valuable content, and a genuine connection with your followers.
By implementing these strategies and staying committed to building meaningful relationships, your brand can thrive in the digital age and secure a loyal customer base that will support your business for years to come. And, speaking of getting social online, be sure to follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and connect with my personal brand at Facebook at Tik Tok!
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