10/11/2018
According to a study done by "Small Business Trends" pertaining to use of social media for promoting small businesses, around 71 percent of the 350 total companies they surveyed use social media platforms, while 16 percent plan on using it and 13 percent donât use social media at all.
This particular study did not tap into the positive or negative implications of using versus not using social media as a form of advertising, but it has become common knowledge that social media plays a significant role in our society today. For those business owners not currently using a social media platform to promote their brand, below are just a few of the reasons why it might be a good idea to start taking advantage of it today!
1. IT'S FREE
Social media = free marketing! The most popular social media sites such as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter are all free to use. All that is needed is an email address to create an account. Therefore, it is a great way to promote both the name of the business and the products for free and quickly to a large and demographically diverse audience. Other marketing strategies can be more costly and less efficient.
2. MORE ATTENTION
As our society becomes increasingly reliant on technological interventions, it is no wonder why social media sites are also one of the main sources we use to gather an understanding of what is happening in the world around us. That being said, if a small business is not using social media as a means for introducing themselves to the world, then they may find themselves having greater difficulty reaching audiences far outside their vicinity.
3. INCREASE CREDIBILITY
Social media is a way to not only get a businessâs name out there, but it is also a great way for social media users, not immediately involved in the business, to help establish a businessâs credibility as well. This, of course, could either be a pro or a con depending on the customerâs personal experience with the business; however, if someone else were to see a businessâs name AND positive comments and ratings associated with it, then it can lead to a person becoming a future customer, and so on if the trend continues!
Although there are existing businesses today that became successful and established without the use of any forms of social media, small businesses forgoing social media today may risk falling behind their competitors. Jeff Gibbard, a chief social strategist from a digital agency quoted, âIâm surprised 100% of the companies arenât on social media. Itâs 2018. Social media is a necessity.â
For those that are not using social media to promote their businesses right now, itâs never too late to start! All that is needed to get the ball rolling is an email address to sign up, some pictures to post, and a voice to tell or type to the world who you are and what youâre all about!
