It’s hard to imagine but 10 years ago social media was but a fledgling. Today it’s the trend that keeps the internet running, with the likes of Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn connecting millions of people across the globe. What’s more, social media isn’t just ‘social’ anymore, 
with plenty of businesses – both big and small business at that – getting in on the action. Now, the likes of Facebook marketing are allowing businesses to take their product directly to the people.
The Business Benefits of Social Media
In many ways, the large number of social media platforms that have arisen has given business companies unheralded access to the customer. In the past, a company would have to reach out to their audience through the likes of radio and television advertisements, as well as newspapers and magazines. Each of these was not only costly but also tended to only reach one group of people. For example, advertising in a newspaper would not have worked for those looking for a youthful audience.
There’s no denying that the millions of social media users eclipses any audience these traditional forms of advertising can reach, but they also reach a diverse group. Facebook, for example, isn’t just for the young, with more and more of the older generations getting involved also. And each of these people has a direct voice, and the platform to use it. This means a small business’s reputation can be seen alongside that of a Fortune 500 company, something that opens up a world of possibilities, as we shall see shortly.
It doesn’t end with the customer or consumer either. Many companies have boasted of the positive impact the likes of Facebook have had on their own workforce, with employees able to liaise in and out of work, building stronger ties, and ultimately generating a tightly knit group wanting the company to do well.
Facebook: a Closer Look
With more than 900 million users, the most popular of all social media platforms is currently Facebook, which recently began trading shares after a valuation of $104 billion. Primarily used for friends to connect, today the website is used by companies to promote products and connect with their audience.
Facebook marketing tips:
Here’s a look at some Facebook marketing strategies and tips you might want to consider:
Promote an event — Facebook allows users to create events and invite delegates. For businesses, this is an ideal way of letting people know about special events (for example, a sale at a department store or a meet-and-greet with a celebrity).
Hold regular competitions — It’s been shown that people pay more interest to your brand if there is something to gain from it. A prize draw is an excellent way to entice new fans, or reward existing patrons. It’s cheap as well; giving away a $100 gift voucher to one luck winner will garner a lot of interest whilst costing a lot less than a television commercial.
Respond to opinions, quickly — Everybody has an opinion and you can all but guarantee they’ll voice it on the internet. Having a profile page for your business allows customers to link directly to you and give feedback of their recent experiences. No doubt you’ll gain some negative reviews somewhere down the line, but you can instantly respond to these and attempt to win back that customer. There’s no waiting to receive a complaint letter, responding, and waiting again. It’s all instantaneous. Of course, a thank you for those praising your company would not go amiss.
Purchase targeted marketing — Facebook uses what is known as ‘targeted marketing’. Essentially, this means that the site looks at what its users like and send appropriate advertising. Such advertising is up for sale and offers your company the opportunity to connect with those expressly interested in your product.
LinkedIn: a Closer Look
LinkedIn is another popular social media platform – it has approximately 160 million users – but it tends to aim its services at businesses and professional people. Like Facebook, LinkedIn marketing can help you and your company. The topics we discuss below can also be considered true of Facebook.
LinkedIn marketing tips:
Here’re some of the LinkedIn marketing strategies and tips that may help your business break out:
Network — If you’re looking for like-minded professionals or want to get your product an official release, LinkedIn can help. Once you’ve signed up you’ll be able to find those in similar fields to your own, as well as those able to promote you, your product, and your company further afield. Networking and building relationships has always been an important part of business; now it’s that much easier.
Recruit — Similar to that above, if you’re looking to recruit people to work with, you’ll find professionals and corporate workers that may fit your vacant job role.
Boost your ranking — A key to marketing your product and your company is a good search engine ranking. Every time you link from LinkedIn to your website you generate a ‘strand’ that will be picked-up by the likes of Google and improve your ranking. In many ways this is the easiest form of search engine optimization.
So, next time you login to your personal page, consider whether Facebook marketing or its counterparts can help your company take things to the next level. It won’t be easy, but with the right input and a forward-thinking plan, social media can make a big difference.
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