These days, everyone has heard the buzz about social media. It is the thing to do to market your business. But, as a digital marketing agency, we still see many small businesses that are skeptical about some of the platforms available. Social media, however, is a crucial part to any well-rounded marketing strategy.
To drive my point, I recently came across the 2011 State of Inbound Marketing from HubSpot. According to the data from their marketing research, small businesses are spending 14% more of their marketing budget on social media marketing than medium to large businesses. The reason for this trend is that the cost-per-lead on social media is significantly less expensive than with traditional media. In fact, the study showed that inbound marketing techniques like social media and blogging are 62% less expensive than traditional outbound marketing tactics like trade shows, direct mail and telemarketing. Furthermore, Google will soon be incorporating content on social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook in their algorithm for ranking websites in search results. If you are confused, I will simplify it for you; if you are not on social media yet, you better jump on the bandwagon or you will be left behind in the digital dust!
With that being said, I find the most resistance regarding social media from small business is determining the value of Twitter. But Twitter is a powerful tool that should without a doubt be part of your digital marketing arsenal. Below are 5 reasons why your small business needs to get on Twitter!
Show you are “With-It”
Twitter is evidence that your small business is participating in this whole social media thing, and obviously a “with-it” kind of organization that people might be interested in doing business with. It’s just not enough to only have a website anymore.
Stay on top of the buzz!
Twitter let’s you see what others are saying. This type of constant information allows you to keep your ear to the ground about your industry, company and competitors. Business intelligence is priceless and allows you to tweak your products and marketing strategy accordingly.
Get the message out!
You can instantly get the message out with Twitter to existing and potential customers. You can use it to share upcoming events, new products or current deals. Also, you can use it for customer service!
It’s who you know!
Being on Twitter will give you access to millions of people, many whom you may never have had the opportunity to meet. Some of these people may be the business contacts you have been looking for!
ENGAGE!
I can’t say it enough! The key to social media is to empower and engage your target audience. Twitter gives you the ability to engage with people right away. Twitter is a conversation, a two-way street. People like to be heard and acknowledged – what better way to build brand loyalty and a following than by actually engaging with you customers virtually face-to-face?! Get to know them, what they like and dislike, what they think about your company, where they like to hang out and shop, give them a voice!
So what is the point? Get out there! There really is no need to be scared! Go talk to your customers, see what they want and need and give it to them! You will thank me for it!
The Discovery Communications Group is an award-winning, fully-integrated marketing agency located in Salem, NH, that specializes in professional web design, search engine optimization, and social media marketing strategy. DCG also provides printing and mailing services to meet every advertising need, servicing clients throughout New Hampshire and Massachusetts.
Written by: Rebecca
Rebecca is the Digital Marketing Specialist at the Discovery Communications Group, and focuses on search engine optimization (SEO) and social media marketing strategy. Prior to joining the Discovery Communications Group, Rebecca worked as a Human Resources executive at companies such as Sokolove Law, LLC, Staples, Inc. and Dunkin’ Brand. Her passion for technology and using inbound marketing techniques for talent acquisition and employee engagement was the catalyst for her career change into digital marketing. Rebecca is a Hubspot Inbound Marketing Certified Professional and holds a Bachelor of Arts in literature from Simmons College. You can reach Rebecca at RebeccaS@discoverycomm.com or call her direct at 603-685-2918, and be sure to follow her on Twitter @RebeccaSlosberg.
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