Small Businesses, is Social Media Even Worth Your Time?

Most marketing experts agree that small businesses should be marketing through social media … but they also agree that not every business needs every social platform.

The top five benefits small businesses garner from participating in social media marketing are:

1. Brand recognition
2. Brand loyalty
3. More conversion opportunities
4. Better customer service
5. Improved SEO

With mobile shaping into the preferred channel for customers of local and small businesses, your successful marketing strategy may depend on having an active social media presence. But many business owners are concerned about how much time and energy they may need to put into a social marketing strategy.

Many business owners have a difficult time determining:

• What are the best social networks for my business?
• Where are my customers ‘hanging out’ on social media?
• How (and how often) should I be interacting with social networks?
• What type of content should I be posting?
• How do I know my social media marketing is working?

These are all valid questions that are important to keep in mind as you consider how to implement a social media marketing campaign.

It is important to understand that social media marketing doesn’t have to be all that hard, but you must:

• carefully identify your needs
• commit to “social media time” on a regular schedule
• know how to get value — a return on your investment — for the work you are putting in

For many small businesses, the key is enlisting the help of a social media expert or even outsourcing social to a provider who specializes in social marketing.

Seeking an outside perspective

When considering how a partner can help you, determine whether the expert can provide key elements of a complete program. Ask:

• Which social media platforms and management programs would you recommend for my business?
• How will you plan and manage my social media marketing.
• Can you integrate my social media content with my overall website SEO strategy?
• What analytics will you deliver to give me insight into how my social media marketing is helping my business?

If you’re asking whether you need some form of social marketing, the short answer is yes.

If you’re asking how to do social marketing, the answer will need to address the specific needs and goals of your business. Be sure any provider you partner with has a customized approach for you.

[cta]When you are ready to talk about social media marketing, give our team at BlueMatrix a call at (800) 898-9034, or drop us an email at request@bluematrixmedia.com. We are prepared to help you connect your social media marketing efforts with an overall strategy and prove the return on investment.[/cta]