Social Media’s Worldwide Impact
How Social Media Can Help Your “Local” Business Reach International Customers
Social Media has transformed the way we communicate, socialize and gather information. Rather than turning on the television to catch “Breaking News”, people access Social Media feeds via their smartphone, tablet or computer. In late-2011, Social Media sites became a lifeline to those in the Northeast United States as Superstorm Sandy hit, communicating people’s safety to families and friends, communicating their difficulties to the authorities. For many, checking social media has become as morning coffee. Businesses large and small seized the opportunity to engage customers in ways like never before.
While websites offer web presence, Social Media provides actual interaction, allowing businesses to increase followers and communicate instantaneously with them regardless of location. The key to success is developing a Social Media plan which not only generates followers, but sparks interest, for example:
Ensuring social media links are included on every page of your website: Make it easy and convenient for people to connect with you. Most companies will place social links on their HOME page, but neglect to do so on the rest of the website. This is a missed opportunity to generate more customer “hooks.”
Conducting a draw: Offer an incentive or prize once you reach a certain number of followers. The bigger the prize, the greater the chances your followers will encourage friends to connect with you.
Offering coupons and/or specials: Not only are you generating interest in your product with a “call to action”, you are providing an incentive to buy. Encourage your followers to share the offer with Social Media connections.
Interesting posts are the key to sustaining followers. For example:
Make it all about your customers: Offer useful information, such as tips, advice, articles. Often, companies try too hard to “make the sale” rather than developing a relationship with followers.
Interact, Interact, Interact!!!: Explore opportunities to engage your followers. This could be as simple as asking them to comment on a photo you post. Encouraging comments and feedback is also an excellent way to gauge interest in your products and even evaluate the demand for additional product lines.
Highlight your customers and clients: Of course, be sure to get their permission before posting. Encourage customers to send in photos of themselves using your product. Post photos from special events or sales. The opportunities are endless!
If you haven’t already done so, it is important to consider developing a Social Media strategy for your business – NOT as a replacement for traditional advertising and marketing, but as a vital complement.
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About the Guest Author:
Gina Smith writes freelance articles for magazines, online outlets and publications on behalf of a number of companies, including http://spanning.com. Smith covers the latest topics in the business, golf, tourism, technology and entertainment industries.
