What Small Businesses Should Do on Social Media

From Facebook and Twitter to Instagram and Pinterest, there are many popular social media sites out there. Likewise, since an estimated 72% of all internet users are currently active on social media, each platform essentially provides access to a thriving online community.

As a result, small businesses would be wise to incorporate social media into their audience building efforts. After all, not only is social media a great way to build consumer loyalty, but it enables you to connect with more potential customers than ever before.

Here is a basic rundown of key measures small businesses should take on social media.

Have a Plan

Just like with any other business undertaking, knowing what you’re trying to accomplish is a necessary step. Good questions include: What goals do you have for your social media pages? How will you measure or gauge success?

Depending on your goals for specific platforms, this could be the amount of followers, likes, backlinks, or web traffic your business receives.

In addition, you also need to plan out a schedule for your social media activity. How often and what will you post? Whether it’s daily, once a week, or some other format, make sure that you don’t bite off more than you can handle.

Choose a Target Audience

Whatever product or service your business provides, there are naturally some customers that will be more interested than others. Since these customers will generally share the same interests, they often can be found on the same social media platforms as well.

For example, a small craft store business whose target audience is women might utilize a Pinterest account since Pinterest users are predominately female.

However, choosing your social networks based on audience is only a good starting point. Social media is not the place for shot-in-the-dark tactics. Once you’ve found where your audience frequents, you must also ensure that the content you post is targeted to their interests.

Be Consistent

It’s one thing to set up a social media account for your business; however, it’s a completely different matter to actually have any standing or presence. After all, no customer is going to take your Facebook page seriously if it’s incomplete, lacks basic information, or clearly hasn’t been updated on a regular basis.

In addition, creating a distinct look and visual brand for your business is vital. Don’t just use any random image for your Facebook cover.

Everything from the colors, font type, and image choices to how you respond to customer comments should make it easy for people to connect your social media presence with your business.

Build Relationships

Unlike other marketing tactics, social media should not be used just to spread sales pitches. No one likes in-your-face marketing, so pushing your agenda too heavily will only alienate users and make them ignore your business.

Instead, focus on connecting people with what they want and being a reliable resource. Like how any good relationship develops, this will take some time; however, building trust with both past and potential customers is well worth the effort.

Have thoughts or questions about social media marketing? Leave them in the comments below.

To your success!
Ken Partain