Reasons your company should be engaging in Social Media
The difference with social media sites and traditional websites is that messages are broadcast rather quickly with networks of friends, with the sites making it very easy for messages to be forwarded again and creating a potential viral spiral. This very viral method of message generation is both a blessing and curse for companies. Do something wrong and due to the principle of bad news spreading fast, you can be sure it will reach the social space at some point. However, do something very right, and you will reap the rewards of social media.
Here is a list of 10 reasons why your company should use 2011 and social media to increasingly engage with consumers.
1) To aid brand awareness
Facebook statistics show that the average user is connected to 60 pages on their site. That is 60 brands or messages that they support. These range from major brand to local businesses. When somebody joins a Facebook page all their friends are notified, so you have the potential to gain from free viral promotion. Since Facebook makes it free for business to open fan-pages it makes little sense not to do so for your brand. The same applies to Twitter, although to have a successful Twitter account take consistent effort and input.2) To communicate with clients/customers
The days of snail mail promotion are fast disappearing as it is increasingly difficult to obtain customer addresses unless their is a valid reason for having it (i.e. delivering a product to their house). Online communication however, is still accepted by consumers as it is much less intrusive. A Facebook fan-page or other social media account helps you keep in touch with clients without having to manage email lists. You simply post a status update and all the members of the group will find the message on their main status page. It’s great to announce new promotions and special offers, all within a few clicks. There is however another important use of Social Media pages, which brings us to the next reason:3) An alternative way to contact consumers which disaster strikes.
As part of my annual ‘Disaster recovery week’ simulations we often encourage companies to think of ways they will be able to communicate with customers when a disaster strikes. Social media platforms are great in these types of situations as you still have access to your clients and can update them quickly. If your premises are closed for an emergency or even your website disappears, it is important to communicate quickly with your consumers to help sustain loyalty and prevent untrue rumours. Facebook and Twitter in particular can be invaluable in these types of situations.4) Create a Feedback loop and build relationships
It is widely accepted that it is often not the actual problem, but the way in which you handle a problem that determines your long term reputation. That of course, is why the principle of ‘The customer is always right’ comes from. Social Media offers another outlet for your consumers to offer you feedback and allows other customers to see how you react to feedback. Accepting mistakes, acknowledging thanks and generally communicating with users not only build trust but in fact builds relationships. This not only brings loyalty but often word of mouth marketing which of course is free. Many companies still are not taking advantage of this great use of Social Media, make 2011 the year you get it right.5) It is much cheaper then traditional advertising.
Social Media marketing has a number of benefits. Firstly, if done correctly it can be much cheaper then traditional methods of advertising as the cost of acquisition and the cost of ongoing communication can be much cheaper. But, it has other benefits, especially if you have a website as it helps you rank higher in search engines. Each conversation and link to your site from Social Media platforms helps Google and other search engine raise your level of importance.These are five very simple reasons why you should be engaging with Social Media. If your new to it, try to keep it simple at first. If in double get in touch with a specialist consultancy such as mine: Double Your Success .
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