In recent years, social media has become one of the most effective communication methods, not only amongst peers and colleagues, but amongst business owners and customers alike.
If you’re a small business owner, chances are you have already heard about the importance of social media. But despite the widespread popularity of social media, many small business owners do not feel as though their social media marketing efforts are effective or savvy enough to keep up with today’s trends.
Compulse has compiled a list of tips to aid with navigating these platforms to win new business.
7 Tips for Small Businesses Using Social Media
Unlike twenty years ago, businesses are no longer relegated to print, broadcast radio, and television to market and connect with consumers. Social media, in many aspects, has replaced these channels with new ways for the customer to read, watch, and listen.
1. Social media marketing is not about blasting posts and spamming people with your content.
Social media is “social” and should have a human element.
- Be sure to “at” (@) and “mention” people.
- Be sure to ask questions.
- Be sure to respond to comments.
- Put out/distribute valuable information that would be helpful to your customers.
2. Use social media as a listening platform.
Social media can almost be used as an at-scale survey to consume live information about not only the platform itself, but also about the user base, their demographics, and how they are using the platform. Businesses can use this information to get a better understanding of who the true consumers of their content are, what they want, and how they want to consume it.
3. Create and implement a social media strategy for each platform.
Each social media platform is different and has different advantages regarding the types of content you can share.
4. Market where your high-value markets are.
Social media allows businesses to access of worldwide global platform in which they can micro target different audiences for free. Each target audience (or high value market) will tend to live on different platforms. Businesses should research and perform outreach only on platforms where their high value markets (or target customers) tend to engage most, for example: young adults and teens tend to consume mostly micro content on Instagram and Snap Chat while most millennials consume content on Facebook and twitter.
5. Know the difference between social networking and community building
Networking sites
Networking sites such as Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter are common networking sites for small businesses, as they allow simple ways for businesses to connect with their audiences. These sites have interfaces built for businesses to follow and communicate with users directly, allowing for clickable and sharable content. They also drive traffic back to their website or landing pages.
Virtual Communities
Virtual communities are made for businesses and individuals to become influencers in a particular niche subject.There are two main types of communities: passion communities and trigger/life event communities.
- Passion communities are often discussion/topic based with permanent members who tend to be consumer or business based.
- Trigger/life event communities are often lecture-based with proven advice for its members. Members are often temporary.
6. Create sharable blog content
Blogs are another great tool for small businesses, as they assist businesses particularly when it comes to search engine optimization (SEO) and ranking.
A quality blog will communicate information as it pertains to the business. It will also communicate topics that are relevant to a targeted audience.
In order to have an effective blog, small businesses should:
- Post frequent and original content
- Use planned keywords in the body of the post
- Optimize all images associated with the blog
- Utilize backlinks across the internet and social media to assist with indexing the site
- Integrate with social media accounts
7. Distribute appealing content
Visual content is more appealing across most platforms. Instead of simply sending emails or newsletters about products, services or events, businesses can snap a photo or video and share it in a way to give the customer more context.
Is your business in need of marketing expertise? If so, call Compulse Integrated Marketing today at 844-821-2154 to learn more about how we can help.