It is easily understandable that many small to medium sized businesses are totally confused with social media. Many of the articles are cathartic in nature, listing the ever growing number of social media sites and tools to use, not addressing the questions that these businesses need answering – how can they use these tools to drive business results.
Many articles and posts that attempt to be useful end up confusing businesses in respect of using social media marketing effectively. Typically, they list up to 50 sites that HAVE to be engaged with, offering no assistance as far as the methods to gain targeted followers that replicate the demographic and geographic dimensions of the businesses stipulated target market, or proven strategies that direct increased traffic to the business website, increase sales and create a loyal community of brand followers through a process of engagement. No wonder some people are confused.
The fact is that a business does not have to use 50, 30, 15, even 5 social media sites to drive business results. Based on the characteristics of the target market, and any dual goals of a social media marketing strategy such as search engine optimisation or employer branding, the business should identify 2 or 3 social media platforms that are well suited to these goals. It is much better to concentrate on several sites and use them well rather than spreading your efforts over a wide range of platforms that will not create any advantage, possibly damage your social media efforts as the increased workload over a variety of sites means the neglecting of current and potential customers that could be achieved through focusing the social media efforts.
If you are a small to medium sized business either considering the use of social media marketing, or experiencing levels of frustration that your current efforts are not creating the desired results, choose 2 platforms that fit well with the business model and customer base. Allocate 10, 15, 30 minutes a day to work on your social media marketing, or whatever time you can spare on a daily basis. Start dabbling with the software and the features, the more comfortable you become with the workings and functions of the software, the more confident you will become in utilising the tools. Think back and remember when you first learnt a Microsoft program, it wasn’t second nature and you probably had to become familiar with the software before a level of confidence ensued.
Above all, remember that social media is another channel or medium of communication, it does not outweigh or outdate traditional modes of marketing communication. The implementation of any social media marketing strategy is not a technology decision, where many can get caught up in the latest and greatest without ascertaining if it fits the business model. The use of any business tool, including social media must be a BUSINESS DECISION.
If you are having trouble starting in the social media world or are not achieving the desired business results from your efforts, give us a call or drop us a line. At Social Eyes Consultancy, we’re always happy to provide advice.
What a great resource!