Social media is generating quite a lot of controversy. It’s a powerful communication tool, and when used for good, it can have a positive impact on your business. As a marketing tool, social media is all largely about branding – sharing who you are and what you do. When utilized strategically and thoughtfully, social media is a valuable element in any marketing strategy. Social media, when it is intentionally strategized and executed, is essential to the success of connecting with your target audience and potential customers, as well as increasing brand awareness. This blog will discuss five ways social media can boost your brand.
1. Educate your audience
What better way to educate than by showing? Social media was made for showing others what you are doing. When you show what your company is doing or offering and what it is about on social media, your audience learns more about it. Social media allows you to use imagery and video to educate your audience on what your business does, who you are and why they should choose you over your competitors.
2. Increase trustworthiness and brand recognition
The best way to establish trust is by building relationships. Social media is an effective tool for fostering relationships. Having a presence on social media opens the door for current and potential customers to interact with your brand. Interacting with customers, responding to inquiries and proactively sharing information online helps build trust and recognition.
3. Showcase products/services
Ultimately, you’re in business to sell and generate revenue. Social media gives you the unique opportunity to control what your audience sees – so show them what they need to know and highlight what makes your business or organization stand out from others. Showcase products or services and share the benefits it offers customers; get their attention and give them a reason to check it out and buy.
4. Build relationships within the industry/local market
Social media is a great way for businesses to get involved with their respective community and industry. For example, if you’re a retail shop that specializes in wedding invitations and stationery, follow and regularly engage with other local businesses in the wedding industry. It helps build relationships with possible vendors, referral partners and customers. When you establish relationships with others in the industry, your company name becomes top-of-mind when others are asked where to go and buy.
5. Support your business sales funnel
While you may not see the direct implications your social media strategy has on revenues immediately, it doesn’t mean it isn’t supporting your business growth. Oftentimes, after a potential customer hears about a product or service, he or she will research social media accounts to verify credibility. Sometimes, a social media presence is all a potential customer needs to make sure a business is real. Once they check out social media, they can determine whether your business is a potential fit for their needs and if they want to take the next step to call or come in.
The thought of adding social media management to an already full business owner’s plate may seem overwhelming. This is why it’s beneficial to enlist outside expertise in marketing communications to help ensure your social media efforts are sufficiently supporting your brand and business objectives. If you are unsure of how to build a social media strategy that boosts your brand, or you’d like to outsource your social media efforts altogether, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s chat!