Albert Einstein once said ” The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, and expecting a different result.”

If you’re not actively using social media to propel  your business online, and still expect better results eventually,  well …..

Social media has created a revolution online. Platforms such as Twitter and LinkedIn that were originally ‘poo-pooed’ and predicted to fail, yet are now leading the pack in helping businesses succeed and differentiate.

Is it really that surprising that more than 87% of businesses worldwide now have some form of presence on social media websites? And that over 69% actually post updates and other content that are related to their field of interest ?

“We don’t have a choice of whether we DO social media, the question is how well we do it” Erik Qualman, author of Socialnomics

1. TALK – Increase your business and brand exposure

The smallest, newest business now lives in an era where it can potentially compete with global monopolies online. How crazy is that ? No need any more to pay for expensive full page advertisements in print media, or purchase billboard contracts in order to compete.

Social media giants such as LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter share over an incredible 1.5 billion users around the globe. Social platforms such as these allow your business to effortlessly extend your brand, product and services well beyond your company’s own geographic location. Social networks are an ideal platform for making contact with your current and potential customers.

2. LISTEN – Improve your already great customer service

 

“If you don’t like what’s being said, then change the conversation” – Don Draper, Senior Partner Sterling Cooper & Partners

One of the main advantages that comes with the likes of social media is the unrivalled ability to communicate directly and personally to your current and potential customers. Social media platforms grant your company the ability to engage directly with your customers in real-time and meaningful conversations, either it be about a compliment, your service or product or a complaint.

3. SAVE – Advertising on social media can be more affordable than traditional methods

 

70% plan on increasing their ad spend in 2015 – results from Salesforce survey of 5,000 marketers

Paid advertising is a key revenue stream for all the major social media companies. And the fact that most businesses that have successfully used social media advertising to grow their market share, plan on increasing their ad spend is testament to the fact that something there is worth considering. If you haven’t been successful in social media advertising, you need an expert to help you towards  the sort of success your competitors are currently enjoying.

Precise targeting has become easier than ever when advertising on social media networks.

With experience or access to a competent social media expert, social media advertising is well within reach for all types of businesses. If you decide to spend just a single dollar on Facebook, their advertisements can be targeted specifically to a certain type of audience.

Your advertisement also has the possibility of being shared with a customer’s friend list. Which means an even greater exposure to your brand, service or product.

And with improved precision targeting capabilities, advertising on social media networks has become essentially a no-brainer.

4. GAIN – Use social media to take strategic advantage over your competitors

 

How can you squander even one more day not taking advantage of the greatest shifts of our generation? How dare you settle for less when the world has made it so easy for you to be remarkable?” – Seth Godin, Seth’s Blog

Social media can AMPLIFY competitive advantage online. ( But be wary, social media can amplify failure as well ! ).

Since social media assists in levelling the playing field, it is easier to see what competitors are doing, so you can then mimic or differentiate, depending on your strategy.

If you have a great product or a great service, or even a great story, social media allows you to grab a greater share of mind, and inevitably a greater share of wallet too.

Together with best practice marketing strategies, such as ensuring a durable USP ( Unique Selling Proposition ), social media can help propel your business online.

Einstein implores you …. Get your social media skates on today. 

If you would like to learn more about how smart Social Media marketing can help propel your business online, please contact Hymie on 0414-329674, or at hymie@WEBMENTUM.com .