Why is social media so important for your small business?

It’s really a simple fact. Your small business needs to maintain a social media presence. It doesn’t matter if you run a small local shop or a restaurant, or even own a big company, social media is an absolutely essential piece of your overall business marketing strategy.

Social media platforms help you connect with your customers. They increase awareness about your brand. They boost your sales. With billions of people around the world using social media every month, it’s definitely not a passing trend. It’s big at creating awareness. Bigger than you think.

Especially in a small town market.

Every single time someone sees your business name or logo it creates an “impression.” Just like the billboard theory. In your travels, if you pass a billboard advertising a Big Mac at McDonald’s 8 times a day, in theory, then the next time you’re thinking you want a fast food burger you’ll automatically think of a Big Mac.

There, McDonald’s has earned your money by creating that impression. And, that’s what your social media can do for you, too.

Social media is no different. Every time someone sees your business name or logo on social media, it creates an impression, and impressions really add up. The average American spends from 2 to 3 hours on social media every day. It’s estimated that the average adult will spend a whopping 6 years and 8 months of their life on social media.

Do you want to miss out on that? Besides, can you name other available advertising methods that are, well for the most part, free?

Simply put…your business needs social media. They all do. And it’s even more important if you have a new business.

If you are planning on opening a new business, get on social media as far ahead of your opening date as possible. Establish your brand, establish your following and then get folks excited about what’s about to open up in your town.

There’s just no denying that social media marketing has plenty of advantages for small businesses. With regular updates and utilizing the right social media marketing strategy, it can (will) lead to increased overall traffic, increased brand awareness, better SEO for your business website, better brand loyalty, opportunities to create customer satisfaction in full view of your customers… and much more.

Your competition is already increasing on social media day by day. Don’t let them take your probable customers. The earlier you start, the faster you see the growth in your business.

If you plan to dive into social media for your business, my main advice is as follows:

Be sure to be highly interactive with your customers.

Take and publish near-pro quality photos. Publish often.

Take advantage of the Facebook option that lets your business page interact with your community. Find larger community pages and interact with their postings through likes, comments and shares. (remember…IMPRESSIONS!)

It just takes a little time, but the benefits can be priceless.

If you don’t have the time for it or don’t know where to start, hire a professional. There are several to choose from out there and each have their own specialty. I’ve created, managed and provided content for over 500 social media pages for a wide variety of local and national clients since 2010 and I would definitely have all the bases covered for your business’s social media management.