Most of us can feel the impact of social media on our daily lives. According to recent estimates, an astounding 4.9 billion people around the globe are active on social media, and this number is expected to rise over the next few years. But the value of social media extends far beyond our personal and social lives. It also plays an important role in the business world, especially when it comes to marketing.
Companies of any size and in any industry can benefit from social media marketing. Popular platforms such as Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok can act as powerful tools to reach new customers and build a strong brand.
Keep reading to learn more about how social media marketing can help you reach your business goals.
1. It drives traffic to your website
Any business can benefit from a great website. But while SEO content strategies in web pages and blogs are a great way to drive traffic, it’s only one piece of the puzzle.
Posting engaging and informative content on popular social media platforms allows you to include links to your website, encouraging potential customers to check out your business in a quick and non-pushy way.
With social media marketing, you won’t just reach people who are specifically looking for your services. Casual scrollers will also be exposed to your brand and have the chance to learn more about what you have to offer.
2. It helps you reach your target audience
One of the great things about social media marketing is that you can easily find and connect with specific communities of people. Are you a hair stylist that specializes in edgy cuts? A lawn care company looking for older homeowners who need extra help mowing and weeding? Social media makes it easier to find your audience.
Here are a few different types of users and how you might be able to engage them through social media:
- Locals: Use localized keywords and hashtags that users may be searching.
- Your competitors’ customers: Target competitor keywords and create side-by-side comparisons and infographics.
- Influencers: Make sure your content is sharable, start an affiliate program, or try reaching out to bloggers, podcasters, and social media influencers for marketing opportunities.
- Existing customers: Don’t forget to continue to engage your existing and previous customers; social media is a fantastic way to stay in touch and remind them you care.
3. It’s cost-effective
Traditional advertising often requires significant investments of time and money. For example, a TV commercial means paying for film crews and actors, as well as buying airtime so people will actually see it. Even printed fliers require a large chunk of time and energy to design, print, and physically post around town.
With social media, the traditional costs associated with advertising have become a thing of the past. The most popular social media platforms are completely free to use.
A social media presence for your business encourages customers to actively engage with your brand and give their opinions. This engagement gives you a boost in the algorithm and provides an opportunity for free and organic promotion!
4. It creates a sense of community
Just about any type of marketing is bound to fail if your sole purpose is to sell your products and services. Social media marketing is no exception. If you’re wondering how to get followers on social media accounts, the answer is through information and engagement.
Don’t just post hashtags and photos of your products or location. Write and link to interesting blog posts, share helpful resources, and answer customer questions as soon as you see them.
The goal is to establish yourself as more than a business. Users want to engage with content they find interesting, regardless of who created it. They’re more likely to engage with your posts and visit your website if they see you as part of their community.
5. It builds brand awareness
Brand awareness is one of the most important ingredients of building a successful business, and it’s especially essential on social media. Smart branding helps you cut through the noise and clutter. If your social media profiles are recognizable, it’s much easier to establish a good reputation with users and help them immediately associate your posts with your business.
Here are a few ways to boost your brand awareness via social media:
- Use your company logo as your profile photo and include it on infographics and photos you share.
- Highlight your business name and include a memorable catchphrase in your bios.
- Use colorful images that go with your website’s aesthetic.
- Post as consistently as possible and try to schedule posts during peak hours for each platform.
Use Social Media to Boost your Marketing Strategy and Meet Your Business Goals
As a business owner, you know that getting your name out there is only the first step. Ensuring that your target audience sees genuine value in your services is the key to turning clicks into loyal customers. Social media marketing gives you the opportunity to boost profits, craft engaging narratives, and build a brand identity that truly inspires.
At Pitkin Writing & Editing, we understand that social media can be a powerful tool for businesses, and a catalyst to engage customers with longer-form content.
Contact us today to learn more about our services!