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As a small business owner, it is essential to remember that your intended audience is exposed to several thousand advertising messages daily. In addition, the messages are not just coming from traditional media such as television, radio, print, and outdoor billboards. Today, your existing customers and prospects are most likely using social media to look for information, product recommendations, and customer reviews. Moreover, networks like Facebook™, Twitter™, and YouTube™ will bombard them with even more advertising messages, most of them targeting a specific interest or business specialty.
Because of this, small businesses like yours are embracing social media applications to build brand awareness online, get new customers, and communicate with them on a more personal level. Learn why your business needs social media in this Balboa Capital blog post.
Start engaging your audience.
If you are currently using social media networks such as Facebook™, Twitter™, and YouTube™, it is important to promote them on your website and company blog. Additionally, you need to make sure that your company website is included in all of your traditional marketing efforts, as well as your business letterhead, business cards, and e-mail signatures. Small businesses like yours do not have the luxury of a large marketing budget, so this is an excellent way to increase your web traffic without spending a fortune.
Choose the right social media platforms.
There are many different social media networks to consider using for your small business. A good rule of thumb is to choose them based on how much time you have available to make periodic updates and announcements about your business. If possible, choose a staff member in your front office to manage your social media efforts, as they are most likely fielding calls and working on a computer during the day.
Whether it is Facebook™, Instagram™, or Twitter™, or perhaps all three, your social media marketing efforts will start small and grow organically. Write posts that appeal to the audience you are going after, and always make sure you promptly respond to their comments, posts, and friend requests. You can also use social media as an online sales tool by promoting special offers and promotions.
The cost-effective way to market your business.
Traditional marketing efforts that require an advertising agency or design firm can be too costly for your small business. In addition, for your small business’s marketing message to be noticed and resonate, it needs to be seen many times by your intended audience, and this requires expensive media placement fees. Social media marketing, such as Twitter™ ads, is cost-effective and enables you to promote your business in real-time.
Balboa Capital, a Division of Ameris Bank, is not affiliated with nor endorses Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, or Instagram. The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.