7 Benefits of using social media for business

Many new start up businesses ask the same question. So, what are the benefits of using social media for business?

Considering that there are more than 3 billion people using social networks across the globe, is this something a small business should ignore? I hope not!

In 2020 Social media will explode to even more reach, here’s why.

According to research, people are following more brands on social media than celebrities. If you’re not taking advantage of social media, you’re missing out on a fast, inexpensive, and effective way to reach almost half the world’s population.

Let’s look at the many ways in which social media can help your start up business connect, engage and grow.

Benefits of using social media for business

First and foremost, if you’re a new start up business, social media can, boost your sales

No matter what you sell, social media can help you sell it.

Your social following is a critical part of your sales funnel—don’t have a following? Worry not, read here on how to grow your social media platforms with tonnes of followers.

In 2020 social networks are becoming increasingly important for product search and ecommerce. The time is right to take the hike.

And if your following isn’t boosting your sales, then influencer marketing sure can

We all love word of mouth, we also know how fast it spreads. Yes, like wildfire.

When you get people talking about your product or company on social media, you build brand awareness and credibility, and set yourself up for more sales.

That’s where partnering with influencers comes in. people who have a large following on social media and can draw the attention of that following to your brand. 

You can also opt for micro influencers to suit your budget.

Social media can Increase brand awareness

With nearly half of the world’s population using social media platforms, they’re a natural place to reach new and highly targeted potential customers.

Instagram is super famous for users to discover new brands.

The platform fully supports new businesses and gives the ability for greater reach.

As Instagram is a “Visual” platform it allows it’s users to see before buying. 60% of people will NOT trust a brand until they see “real-world proof” that the product is keeping it’s promises. That’s where the link with influencer marketing comes in, people tell visual reviews.

Customer’s want to know the ins and outs. you’ve got to show the human side of your brand. How are you embracing your brand values? How are you looking out for the best interests of your customers? And most importantly, does your product really work? Customers like to see it to believe it.

Reviews are a customers best friend. Fill your social media with good reviews of your product and watch it sell like hot cakes!

Increase website traffic

Do you have a website? But no one can find it?

Social media posts and ads are key ways to drive traffic to your website.

Sharing great content from your blog or website to your social channels is a great way to get readers as soon as you publish a new post

Platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and Twitter are all great to get the word going. These can all drive traffic to your website. Free traffic.

Make sure your website address is included in all of your social media profiles so that people who want to learn more about you can do so with one easy click. 

You can use Facebook messenger live chat, tweets or website email address to ensure your customer can reach you without difficulty.

Social media can also be used for lead generation.

For example, You can use Facebook lead ads to allow people interested in learning more about your product, directly from Facebook, with just a couple of taps.

Promote your content/product

Although social media has tonnes of wonderful users, it’s no use if your going to remain silent.

Promoting your content on social channels is a great way to get your content or product in front of new people,

Use a strategy to schedule posts daily to each of your social media platforms informing your customers of new product releases, a business meme, relatable questions and answers, feedback opportunities, or just anything related to your business. .

As people start engaging, they will start liking, commenting, and sharing your social posts. Your content will eventually get exposed to new audiences—their friends and followers.

Your small business can GO VIRAL on social media within a matter of 24 hours if lucky. It can even go to the next level. As people share your content with their networks, and their networks follow suit, your content spreads across the internet, getting thousands or even millions of shares.

This is a good way of gaining exposure. If my friend shared a post of yours, I’d be intrigued to read it to find out what it’s about. Peers trust their peers. Take advantage!

Going viral is no easy task, of course, but with social media it’s possible.

Readily available Customer support

What better way than getting in touch with the product owner or its team directly?

Long gone are those days where we would find the company email address from yellow pages and contact them. Yes, social media take over alert!

Almost every business on social media has a contact page. It’s right there. This allows it’s customers to contact the product owner instantly.

Quick turnarounds are desirable to obtain trust and sales.

Customers expect brands to be available on their social media.

Twitter is by far my favourite, when I want to reach out to a brand. Because the tweets are all public, hence it has a quick turnaround.

I once tweeted Ubereats because I didn’t receive my food order in time. They responded straight away! Ofcourse I mean they had to  right? Because twitter is a page where no tweet is hidden! It’s a public platform.

My tweet was seen by everyone following Ubereats, so surely Ubereats had a reputation to maintain.

Social media also generates a huge amount of data about your customer’s in real time. There are many software’s to help you obtain real time data. You can use that information to make smarter business decisions. 

You can also see trends within your business and focus on that aspect more.

This can help you tailor your strategy to better speak to your real audience.

Social media allows Targeted advertising

Social ads are an inexpensive way to promote your business and distribute content.

They also offer tools within, so you can customize your audience. This allows you to reach the right audience for a specific product and make the most of your budget.

Keep an eye on your competition

My favourite of them all. Social media is like an eye spy game.

Keeping a low key eye on your competitors is important. After all they could be stealing the show without you even realising.

Tracking pain points with your competitors products is a good way to win the game. You could reach out to address the issues with your audience and offer a better solution. Winning new customers in the process.

Always think outside the box.

Although we love every business out there, sometimes we have to think outside the box and think what our competitors are doing.

Because if it wasn’t for them, your sales would be through the roof right?

So playing eye spy this way is safe and isn’t harmful to anyone out there.

Overall I wish success to every new start up business. Taking the plunge isn’t easy, however with these social media techniques, soon you will be flying out of the waters.

Good luck my lovelies.