Why should my small business be on social media?
Did you know, 1 in 4 small business owners still don’t use social media for their business. Is this you? Do you feel you don’t have time? Or do you not know what to post? Do you feel that’s it too technical, or you don’t like appearing on camera?
These reasons are understandable, but today, social media is where everyone is – it’s not just a luxury, it’s an essential for small businesses. This post is going to explain the reasons why social media is worthwhile and necessary for all local businesses.
Social media allows you to build your brand
With social media, you allow your brand to reach more people, more of the time. Compare social media to a TV advert – you only see the advert when you are watching TV and when it appears on the screen, but people in the area can access your social media content and see you whenever and wherever they want to.
If you then have strong and consistent branding (colours, fonts, images) you reinforce your business in people’s minds – increasing the chances that they will come to you for your products and services!
Social media allows you to showcase your products
Want a free way to post images of your products? Need some way to explain what’s unique about your services? Social media covers this!
Not only can you post images of your products, but people in your community can engage with these pictures, such as leaving a like or commenting – something that cannot be done on a shop window. This makes choosing you a much more enjoyable experience!
Your website improves your credibility
Nearly everyone expects modern businesses to have a website – if you don’t have one, you could be harming your professional image. According to one survey, 8 out of 10 customers will be more likely to engage with a brand – just because they have a website. This shows just how much professional weight a website gives your business.
Social media improves customer engagement
Small business thrive when they have a community built around them, and this is exactly what social media does. Customers can ask questions, leave feedback, give reviews – all of which build trust, which then builds that community.
If you turn your brand into a community, you encourage interaction and loyalty with your business. Engaged customers aren’t just likely to return – they will also become advocates that spread the word about your business.
Social media is a more effective way of advertising
If you want to run paid adverts, social media should be your go-to – for two reasons. First, it’s far cheaper than traditional advertising such as TV or billboards (you can spend as little as £1 a day if you want on paid social adverts).
Second, social ads are much more targeted, as they are shown to the type of people that you want them to go to. For example, if you are a small plumber, you can set your advert’s target audience to go to people that have shown interest in plumbing or home maintenance – far more effective than a radio ad, which just goes out to the masses and may not be even heard.
Social media humanises your business
The clue’s in the title – “social” in social media! Social media allows people to see the people behind your business, and what you’re like. Just think – are you more likely to trust a person, or a cold sales advert written by AI? Social media is the way to bring that human touch to your business.
Social media positions you as the expert in your field
Social media allows you to share tips, knowledge, and insights about your industry. When people see your expertise consistently, you become the expert in their minds. You become the one that in the community to turn to.
This increases your number of customers, and allows you to bring in more profit!
Social media provides analytics and data
Do you know how engaged your customers are? Do you know who they are? Social media gives you analytics and insights to learn more about your customers – you can make better decisions with these insights.
On top of this, you can post polls or questions that ask for feedback, allowing you to gather even more insights, improving your products and customer experience even further!
Ready to grow your business with social media?
Don’t wait any longer – your next customers are scrolling right now, searching for businesses like yours. Showcase your products, build your brand, and give your business that human touch today!
Getting started is easier than you think. I design social media strategies that really work for all kinds of small business – from chimney sweeps, to window cleaners, to hairdressers! Get in contact today!