When a consumer decides to make a significant purchase, they usually research the product or company through the Internet. They start with a Google search on the brand, then the company’s website and research the product they are interested in. Consumers also look to social media to learn more about the company. So, if you’re part of the 24% of small businesses that do not have a social media presence, you may wish to change that.

Why Does My Business Need Social Media?

According to Hootsuite, 52% of American consumers say they’ve seen a product they’re interested in on Facebook in the last three months. Consumers are drawn to companies that give back and support their community. If your business regularly donates to a charity, or donates profits for a cause social media is a great place to brag about these efforts. Or, try using social media to introduce a new employee, share photos from a company picnic or share stories from your blog or elsewhere that support your brand and/or mission.

Generate Brand Awareness

Once you choose a social media platform to begin with, the most difficult part will be coming up with compelling content. Some ideas for social media posts are company news, product photos and information, motivational quotes and general industry news.  The goal of social media presence is brand awareness. According to a survey by eMarketer in 2016, 44% of local businesses said they depend on social media to generate brand awareness and 41% depend on it to drive revenue.

Social Media Marketing Works

While it may feel easier to rely on traditional advertising for your business, social media advertising is on the rise and proving effective. According to marketing calendar CoSchedule 49% of 18-29-year olds have purchased something they saw in a social media ad.  Here at OpenMoves, we have a dedicated team available to design and run social media ads and pay-per-click marketing. Click here for more info.

Survey results from Social Media Examiner revealed that 90% of marketers said their social media marketing efforts increased exposure for their business and 75% say they’ve increased traffic. Additionally, more than 50% of marketers who have been implementing social media marketing tactics for two years have reported improved sales.

Lastly, if you decide to add social media marketing into your business plan start by focusing on one network at a time. You’ll need to experiment to find the best fit for your consumer demographic. If you’re still not sure, we can help you develop a social media strategy that’s tailored for your business.  Click here to learn more about discovering your brand on social.