In 1997 a social networking site called SixDegrees landed on our browsers, it allowed users to create profiles, list their friends and network. Since then social networking has exploded into our lives. Whilst the invention of smartphones gave people easier access to sites such as Facebook and Twitter, social networking has also become a handy tool for businesses.
Facebook has more than 800 million active users, with over 50% of these users logging on at least once a day. This is a database of potential customers that your business could tap into if you utilised these sites.
Many people simply log on to see what their friends have been up to or to update everyone on what they had for breakfast, but the average user is said to spend approximately 11 minutes on the site each time they log on. Those 11 minutes could be spent looking at the services your business offer if you grab the opportunities at your fingertips.
So how can social media actually help your business?
Spreading The Word
By simply having an online account on a social networking site, you will help to increase your brand image. It’s a simple and yet effective form of advertising and because you can do it from the comfort of your own home you needn’t spend hours in the cold handing out leaflets to promote your new sale.
You are able to instantly connect with your target audience, similar to email marketing, so you can let them know of sales or special offers and start building your online presence.
What Do They Say?
Unlike older methods of gaining feedback such as questionnaires, social networking sites are unobtrusive and can allow participants to be more honest in their responses. Once you have built your presence online and have a steady flow of following customers, you can begin to ask them what they think about your business, and what’s important is to let them know you have recognised this feedback.
In a similar category, you can also use social networking sites to answer questions from your customers. This gives you an opportunity for your business to provide a completely personal service to your customers.
Loyalty
By creating your own Facebook page or Twitter account you will start to create an online community for your business. This will help to increase your brand loyalty and you can continue to keep these customers on board by offering them special online discounts or offers.
Unfortunately there will be times when people want to complain, whether it’s about one of your products or services or they are just generally unhappy. Social Media gives you control to instantly respond to complaints, a simple Tweet to a customer that’s not happy can help to maintain your businesses reputation and will put a smile back on your customer’s face.
By having your brand name on numerous websites, it allows links back to your own site that will in turn help with your position on search engine sites so, what are you waiting for? Start utilising social media to help improve and grow your business.
Don’t let your business get left behind!






