Social media for small businesses
Social media can work wonders for a small business. It is a cost-effective way of connecting with your customers, attracting new business, interacting with peers, and promoting your products or services. However, it can also appear to be a minefield.
This blog aims to provide you with an overview of what social media can do for you, which platforms are the best for your business, and how to use your chosen social media channels.
What can social media do for you?
Engage new and existing customers
With its widespread use and audience, social media is an excellent way of reaching new and existing customers. When someone follows your brand, it shows they’re interested in your business – but it’s up to you to keep them interested!
Drive new enquiries
Users of social media are increasingly using platforms to find new products and services. This can lead to new enquiries and ultimately new customers.
Customer service
Providing excellent customer service on social media is crucial. Many consumers say their loyalty to a brand is heavily influenced by the customer service they – and others - receive on these platforms.
Launching new products
Many consumers use social media to find new brands and products, so to ensure your new products or services get the attention they deserve you need to utilise social media platforms.
The key platforms
The best way to find out if your target audience uses a particular platform is to try each and see how much engagement you receive.
Ideal for businesses targeting a broad audience or looking to establish a strong online presence.
Good for businesses with visually appealing products or services, lifestyle brands or influencers. It has a large demographic base.
Ideal for B2B marketing, building professional relationships, and establishing authority in specific industries.
TikTok
TikTok is perfect for brands with a creative approach looking to reach a younger audience and leverage trends for brand promotion.
Content
Once you’ve chosen your social media platforms, you need to consider what content to use. Here are just a few suggestions and tips to get you started.
Authentic, not promotional
Whilst most businesses use social media to promote a product or service, it’s important that your social media content is also authentic and not ‘pushy’. Your aim is to build lasting interactions and relationships and generate brand loyalty.
Behind the scenes
Put a ‘face’ to your business by giving your followers a ‘behind the scenes’ view. Before and after pictures of installations or projects and employee ‘spotlights’, as well as details of charity or local organisation support. All of this will provide your followers with a more ‘personal’ insight into your company.
Customer testimonials
Get your customers involved by asking them to send images of installations/products, tagging your brand or sharing stories and images.
Educational, thought provoking
Offer educational or thought-provoking ideas on your industry to position your business as an ‘expert’ in its field, as well as encouraging interaction and debate.
Pictures and videos
Pictures and videos are a fantastic way of catching people’s attention, as well as presenting your products or services in a unique way.
Negative feedback
Whilst negative feedback is rare, it can happen, so it is important to regularly check your social media channels. There are also ways to effectively manage negative content.
Divert negative comments
Aim to divert negative conversations away from your social media and onto direct messaging. This will hopefully remove any further potential negative content on a public platform whilst ensuring the person knows you’re there to help.
Hide comments
You can also hide negative comments once they’ve been resolved.
Hopefully this blog has provided you with a few ideas of how to kick start your social media campaign, but if you have any queries, our team is here to help. Simply call 0800 22 77 77.
