Social Media a Critical Tool for Business

A 2014 survey revealed that 92% of marketers said social media marketing was important for their business, and 80% said their efforts increased traffic to their websites. That number has only grown in the past few years and will continue to grow.

Currently, 97% of marketers are participating in social media, according to Social Media Examiner.

But why is social media worth the investment of your company’s time and resources?

1. Create Brand Awareness

Social media is where many people get their news and information, and it’s a great place for people to learn about your business. According to Social Media Today, there are more than 2.8 billion active social media users worldwide – an increase of 22% increase in the past year. Every post, photo or video you share is a chance for someone to learn about your company. These interactions are important because it makes you more accessible for new customers and more familiar for existing customers.

2. Develop Brand Loyalty

Consumers love to follow their favorite brands on social media. According to a report from Texas Tech University, companies engage on social media enjoy higher loyalty from their customers. In fact, a study by Convince & Convert found that 53% of Americans who follow brands on social media are more loyal to those brands.

3. Improve Customer Service

In our fast-paced digital age, how frequently do you get to connect one-on-one with your customers? Social media allows you to do that! When consumers have a question about a product or business, they most often turn to social media, and savvy marketers know a quick response to a question or a like on a post can create a longtime fan.

4. Learn About Your Customer

Social media lets you learn valuable information about your customers—where they live, their age and interests. This key demographic information is critical and allows you to customize your marketing plan. No longer are you trying to be all things to all people. Instead, you are reaching your target audience.

5. Cut Marketing Costs

Social media has become a must-have for any business, and the best news is, it’s free. It costs nothing to sign up for a social media account but the rewards are invaluable. According to Hubspot, 84% of marketers found spending as little as six hours of effort a week was enough to boost traffic and start seeing results. Even if you decide to invest in advertising on one of the social media channels, the expense is nominal and the reach is hard to beat.

Need help building a social media strategy for your brand?  Contact our team for a free consultation!