7 Reasons Why You Don’t Have Time to Put Social Media On the Back Burner
When you’re overwhelmed with everything that goes into running a small business, it’s easy to push social media off as something to tackle … later.
It can seem like a digital black hole — something that sucks up all your time and keeps you from your customers.
However, when approached strategically and carefully, social media can connect with the people who matter to you and grow your business in the process.
There are tons of social media sites, but the most commonly used option is Facebook. For that reason, I recommend that businesses who want to use social media start with Facebook. Other social media sites might also be helpful, time permitting. Choose which ones to use according to which ones your customers use and enjoy. But when you’re just starting out, or while time and money are limited, use Facebook.
Here are seven reasons to make Facebook — and another social media option or two, if you’re so inclined — a priority for your business:
REASON #1: Social Media Creates Valuable Conversation Among Your Customers and Potential Customers
If you’ve ever purchased something on Amazon, you understand how powerful reviews can be. This story plays out in our house all the time — just the other day, in fact, we needed lightbulbs and found ourselves deciding which kind to buy based on the reviews. We didn’t personally know any of the reviewers, but knowing that D Davis called them “Great bulbs!” made us feel good about our pending purchase.
This concept is called “social proof.” It’s not new, but it is extremely effective. There are several kinds of social proof, one of which is rooted in the idea that people trust their friends’ opinions.
Social media — particularly Facebook — is the perfect delivery mechanism for this kind of social proof.
REASON #2: Social Media Is A Wonderful Way to Advertise Your Business
In recent years, advertising on social media has become extremely popular, and for good reason. You can spend as much or as little as you want to, and a well-designed campaign can return excellent results for the money.
The catch? Companies must advertise on consumers’ terms in social media. Traditional marketing techniques have proven less effective than content-centric approaches. There are many, many different ways to advertise through social media, too. You’ll need to spend some time thinking about which platform and which kind of ads makes the most sense for your business.
REASON #3: Social Media Will Help You Manage Your Customers’ Expectations
When people know what to expect from you, they will be happier, more satisfied customers. Having a presence on Facebook will help you to communicate with your customers — in both directions. You’ll be able to easily get the word out about changes to your store hours or your return policy, for example, and you’ll be able to listen to your customers’ feedback and learn what their expectations are.
REASON #4: Social Media Makes It Really Easy To Communicate With Your People
Social media works as a tool to communicate with your customers because they’re already there.
Almost 70% of American adults use Facebook. Of those, more than 75% say they use it every day. Do the math, and you’ll see that more than half of all Americans use Facebook every day. More than half!
It’s an incredible way to reach your customer base. Yes, it takes work and strategy to be seen on Facebook, but you start out with the odds in your favor when you use it to reach your customers.
REASON #5: Social Media Positions You As An Authority
When you cultivate a consistent, helpful presence on social media, it’s relatively simple to become an influencer in your area.
One reason for this is that people tend to believe what they read on the internet. Because they believe you, people will trust the advice you offer — and trust breeds influence. Another, more technical, reason that a social media presence positions you as an authority in your field is that a healthy social media presence will contribute to good organic search rankings. In other words, when people use a search engine like Google to look for information related to your topic, you’ll be more likely to come up high in the list of search results.
REASON #6: Social Media Will Help You Build Relationships With Your Customers
A platform like Facebook affords you the opportunity to get to know your customers. Through social media, you can interact with them, engage them, inspire them.
Social media can’t — and shouldn’t — replace all of the more traditional techniques you use to maintain relationships with your customers, but research indicates that social media can make those efforts more effective.
Looking for ideas on how how to use social media to build relationships? Download this freebie.
REASON #7: Social Media Is One of Three Essential Components of Marketing Your Business Online
In order to efficiently and successfully market your business online, you need to use a system that combines a website, social media presence, and an email list. They work together like a digital marketing ecosystem, each supporting the other. It’s worth your time to do all three.
Final Thoughts…
It’s certainly possible to waste time on social media — but when used intentionally, social media (and its partners, your website and email list) are some of the most valuable tools you as a small business owner have in your toolbox.
How do you incorporate social media for your business into your daily routine? What are some strategies you use to connect with your customers online?