Why You Need to Be Using Social Media for Your Business

Did you know there are 2.56 billion global social media users, growing by 1 million users per day? That means 34% of the global population is on social media. Also, in 2015 Facebook alone influenced 52% of consumers on and offline purchases. So what does this mean for small business owners? If you're not on social media you could be hurting your business and losing customers.

Here are 3 reasons why social media is essential for your business:

1. Social Media is the Best Way to Get to Know and Build Relationship with your Customer!

One of the main reasons why I absolutely love utlizing social media for businesses is because it creates a personal connection between businesses and their customers. Whether it is on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook or any other platform businesses are able to directly engage with their customers through live videos, comments, and instant messages. Consumers are able to get to know brands and businesses on a personal level, by following their daily content.

Some great ways to connect with your customers more personally is to ask questions, post behind the scenes images or videos so they get an exclusive look at what is going on. Another great way to build this relationship even further is to target a specific group of active customers or followers and provide them with extra value. Some examples of this would be to create a private Facebook group for those customers where they get access to special discounts, early access to new releases, or invites to exclusive events.

Social media allows your customers to get to know your brand and see your brand as more than just another company trying to convince them to buy stuff they don't need. As customers engage with businesses they begin to trust. As this trust builds your business now becomes their go to, they not only want to buy from you but they want everyone else to as well. Because now they believe in your business, your mission and feel as if they are a part of it.

2. Social Media is a Much Cheaper Way to Advertise.

To run an ad on a local TV station is going to cost on average between $500-$1500 for a 30-second commercial. Google Ad words on average costs anywhere between $1-$2 per click, and depending on the keyword targeted it could be as much as $50 per click. On social media, the average cost per click is only $0.12! You may be reading this and think ok that's great but my target market just isn't on social media. I am here to tell you that is just not true! Everyone (who has the means to buy your product) is on Facebook! From my 13-year-old cousin to my 92-year-old grandma, they are on there and they are using it daily.

That is why 91% of brands are using at least one if not more social media platforms. One more great thing about social media advertising is that you don't have to pay in order to reach your audience. Organic reach (non-paid posts) is also a very effective way to reach and engage with your customers without paying for an ad. I have seen several small businesses reach thousands of people in their target market completely organically, and get sales and conversions from it!

3. Social Media Increases Sales

When you stay in front of your customers they are more likely to buy from you. Over 70% of business to consumer marketers acquire their customers through Facebook. Social media gives you the opportunity to keep your customers engaged by providing frequent offers, incentives, and build excitement around what your business is doing.

Things that you post today may lead to a sale within a couple hours, days, weeks, months or even years. Social media saves and stores your post so when someone searches on Facebook for let's say, "running shoes", he or she could see a video you posted about your product from months prior.

Lastly, by using the right keywords and hashtags you can directly attract those who are looking for your products or services. The key is to know what hashtags and keywords your target audience is using. For example, if you are targeting moms popular hashtags to use would be #momlife or #motherhood. Connecting with people who want your products or services could be just a # or @ away.