By now you’ve surely heard of social media, but you might not know exactly what it is and what it can do for your business. Used in the right way, social media can drive traffic to your website and physical location, making it a critical key to prospering in today’s economy.
What is social media?
Social media includes all web-based and mobile technologies that are used to turn communication into interactive dialogue on a large scale . This includes Facebook, Twitter, Linked In, Google +, Four Square, Pinterest and many other sites. Each of these sites allow individuals and businesses to communicate with one another, find friends with common interests and share information gathered on the web.
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How can social media help your business?
There are two primary benefits to businesses from social media:
1. Valuable customer feedback.
Getting feedback from your customers (both positive and negative) can help you improve your business and tailor your products/services to meet the needs of your customers. Use social media to engage your customers about what they enjoy most about your products/services, what they would like to see more of, etc.
2. Easy follow-up format.
Following up with clients after a purchase or inquiry is key to getting return business. By using social media sites you can keep your business fresh in the minds of your customers and offer incentives for returning visitors like discounts and daily specials.
Which social media sites are best for business?
Social media sites are constantly adding new features that can change the impact they have on businesses. Facebook seems to be the most popular tool for businesses to interact with the general public, but LinkedIn is the best for business-to-business networking. Twitter is still widely used for quick messages and sharing links, while Four Square rules when it comes to getting people to your physical location. Pinterest and Google + are quickly growing in size and popularity (we’re going to talk more about both of those later in the month in case you’re not familiar with them).
Do you have links to your social media accounts on your website?
If you’re active on social media sites, you need to let your customers know about it! Add links to your website so people can follow, friend or “like” you. Old City Web Services can do this for you, just ask! We’re happy to help.