“We don’t have a choice on whether we do social media, the question is how well we do it.” – Erik Qualman
The world of marketing and communication has evolved in a big way and businesses no longer have the ability to choose the channels in which they want consumers to receive their message. Social media has become a space where everyone must live.
However, many business owners may be asking…What’s the VALUE? With the array of social media channels that are available and relied upon daily by the customer, a presence on these social channels will enable your business to do the following:
ESTABLISH CREDIBILITY
Be seen as a credible business by engaging in social media channels, interacting with clients and potential customers, and posting photos of your expertise and recent projects. These diverse and easily accessible marketing channels also offer a user-friendly way to direct customers to your website – where they can immerse themselves in your expertise, learn more about your company and what you offer. The goal with having visibility on social media is to ultimately guide the individual to call or visit your place of business and to want to know more!
ENHANCE CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIPS
With the many moving parts of any business, social media is the perfect touch point that fits both your team’s schedule and the customer’s lifestyle. This is an interactive medium that allows you to build a relationship on a peer-to-peer level with your customer base. With posts that include expertise in your field to photos of your favorite pet and even your star customers…the social aspect is priceless to the growth for any business – on a relational and informative level. Check your social channels and if these are lacking in the relationship building forum, you need a professional to handle the job.
FINE TUNE YOUR BUSINESS WITH FEEDBACK
Social media has opened the door to a new way of communicating with your customer. The word “social” says it all – and this means a two-way conversation is a must on all channels. Ask for feedback and learn from the answers what you need to do to make your services even better! You’ll be amazed at the things you’ll hear once you start the conversation. It’s great when you hear positive feedback, accolades from customers far and wide but you need to brace yourself for the inevitable “not so great” feedback. This may hurt for a moment – but when handled with a kind and professional response with a solution – your unhappy customer will be acknowledged and any prospect reading this comment will respect your reply and your credibility will work to your advantage time after time.
GENERATE BUSINESS
By becoming actively involved in social media channels, more people will get to know about your business. With the variety of channels that make up the world of social media you are able to grow your brand awareness with strategic posts that speak to your audience in a way that makes it easy for them to share with their friends and family. Let them know about your community activities, special offers that will make them smile, employee news, company awards, and local events that you are attending to make sure that you and your team stay top of mind!
So there you have it — with the help of a well-done and consistently maintained social media presence you can – establish credibility, build relationships, listen to feedback (and respond!), and generate business! We believe in the value of social media – and so does your customer. The overall goal is that when your customer needs the services you offer, they think of you first!
