Why believe an advertisement when you have the benefit of social media? Would you trust an advertisement over your friends recommendations and reviews? Of course you wouldn't! Hence, I believe Social Media is the most truthful form of marketing for your business.
Let us address some key issues for your business: 1.
Do you know what people are saying about your business on Social Media sites? Everyday I log into Facebook and Twitter and have a peek at what my friends and peers are saying.
It is not uncommon for my friends to post reviews, positives, negatives and feedback regarding an experience with a local business.
Surely you have seen Facebook status updates quoting things like "Wow! That new Maccas burger is the best" or "Thanks to TGFS for their brilliant advice concerning my financial planning" or even "I love Citylink.
It saves me an hour travel a day!".
On the other hand, I'm also sure you have seen comments such as "Never going back to XXXXXX restaurant on Chapel St again.
Food was awful and waiting stuff were rude" or "I can't believe how bad the service work was done on my car by XXXXXX" or even "Don't go to XXXXXX.
They are too expensive and very over-rated".
So do you know what people are saying about your business? Can you address the concerns or thank people for positive feedback? All of these reviews and assessments are hugely valuable to your business.
They can help you make informed decisions about certain products, staff, services etc.
This sort of information is absolutely invaluable to the success of your business.
2.
Why is Social Media so truthful and why is it critical to your business? Did you know that 78% of peer reviews influence people to believe what they are saying while on the other hand, only 14% of people believe an advertisement? The reason is simple - people believe what peers say a lot more than they believe a sales pitch, or a business advertisement.
They have a sense of trust in recommendations and reviews more so than your business.
They understand that you will constantly praise your products and services, puffing that 'you are the best', 'you have the cheapest prices' and 'you are a market leader'.
Consumers don't want to know about all this.
They want proof! They want outsider information! Consumers are willing to praise and criticise.
It is simple to post a tweet or update a Facebook status reflecting an experience with your business.
Many social media users post information that is normal to everyday life i.
e.
"on my way to work".
These are the type of consumers who certainly are not inconvenienced to post about dealings with you.
More than half of Twitter and Facebook users post daily - so be aware of what is said about you! 3.
Social Media exposure drives Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) SEO is quite simply a strategy or number of strategies employed to drive your business to a higher rank on major search engines, like google.
Such exposure creates further traffic to your website, increased sales and eventually, an increased bottom-line.
Social Media will help drive your SEO.
Extended communications on Social Media sites will attract interest in your business.
Without Social Media relationships, it is virtually impossible to increase your SEO.
The two go hand in hand and are both critical to internet marketing strategies for your business.
Incorporating an effective Social Media and SEO strategy is not a simple process.
In highly competitive industries, it can take some months before maximum results are achieved.
For the strategy to be sustainable, it requires ongoing attention and optimisation.
If you need help with SEO or Social Media, be sure to contact an expert.
Some of your competitors already have established SEO and Social Media strategies in place.
Be sure not to fall any further behind.
Now is the time to act.
Lee Schraner - Partner - GenZ Web Solutions