There’s one major mistake that many businesses are making when it comes to social media: they’re not using it. 92 percent of marketers agree that social media is important for both your business and your inbound marketing strategy, and there’s a big reason why: the number one online activity that Americans do every single day—more than checking email, watching videos, or reading blogs—is engaging within the social world. On average, people spend around 3 hours per day on social media networks, and that number continues to rise. So why not take advantage of it?
3 Reasons Why Social Media is Necessary
- It’s taking over. Let’s look at hashtags as an example. When you sit down and watch your favorite television show, chances are there is a “#[show title]” in one of the lower corners of the screen. This allows viewers from all over the world to connect online with a common interest, and the same concept can be used with your business. Social media is, in some way, a part of your life every single day whether you like it or not.
- It’s relatively cheap. When it comes to advertising, a solid social media presence is vital. How many times have you seen a Facebook post from a local business offering a special deal specifically to those who “like” their page? It happens every day, and all it took was a couple of minutes to post the offer. You can also launch specific advertising campaigns on the various social networking sites that are cheaper (and more effective) than the marketing campaign you use now.
- It increases your traffic, and it’s good with SEO. When someone logs onto your Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn page, the link for your website is there for them to click on. If they like what they see on your profile, chances are they will check out your site and see what it’s all about. All of a sudden you have a brand new lead, and it took minimal effort. Additionally, a solid social media presence can boost your search engine optimization, especially since it has such an effect on our society right now.
Now we know why social media is necessary, but how should you use it? And, more specifically, which networks should you utilize? Those two questions can be tricky to answer, but they’re vital to developing your strategy.
Making Social Media Make Sense
- Know your target audience, and make sure they’re there. Who are you marketing to? Facebook and Twitter have larger young adult audiences while LinkedIn is more likely to be utilized by business professionals and those between the ages of 30 and 49. For those marketing toward older seniors, keep in mind that adults over the age of 65 is the fastest-growing segment in terms of social media sign-up.
- Keep it simple. If you are just getting started with social media, don’t immediately open up accounts on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter; start small, and keep it simple! As you continue to get used to how social media works and how effective it is, you can refine your strategy and expand into other networks.
- Be realistic. Chances are you’re not going to see results immediately. If you’re starting a brand new social media account, give the account six to twelve months before you start analyzing its effectiveness. You must give your customers sufficient time to not only find you on the internet, but also build trust in your online presence.
You should always do what makes sense when it comes to social media, and keep in mind that the online world is constantly changing. Don’t be afraid to go with the flow and see where it takes you!
