Social Media Is For Dummies?
Do companies really think that social media and social networking is for dummies? We interviewed a variety of companies over the last few months and made us come to the following conclusion. 93% of the companies interviewed and surveyed say that socials are not for them. Personal yes, for their business no.
Where Do They Go Wrong?
The world communicates through social media now, and this is what we all have to understand. There is no stopping us now. Communicating on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or Linkedin has become more important than communicating through email.
Some executives said they check their LinkedIn account every hour, but only check their emails every two days. Some said they have a Linkedin account, but never use it. Others say they pull $ 30,000 per month in business from LinkedIn alone.
Now, who is right?
Social Media is Overwhelming
The Socials can be overwhelming? Yes, Correct, social media is definitely overwhelming, but we live in the technology age now. The constant flow of information will never stop, and if you don’t reap the benefits, others will.
“You might not be using the social channels yet, but all your customers are spending good parts of their day on these platforms!”
Interestingly enough from the research done, it was read that some companies in the same industry had totally opposite opinions about social media. One said they would not sell one product more by engaging in social media. In the same industry, other companies are said to see definitely added value towards customer service and product branding. One company explained not be able to exist without social media.
There you have it. Same industry, with a completely different outlook on the use of social platforms.
Knowledge is Key
Social media is more than just a Facebook and LinkedIn page or account. Knowing the workings of social media and what it can bring traffic to your company is important.
Making solid decisions based on the new knowledge and technology available is even more important. Do not wimp away the socials as a children’s game with words like “it will blow over again”, and “the hype will be over as fast as it came”.
Your Customers Are On Social Media
Your customers are all connected through the internet and social media. So, why not you? Stand in the middle together with them, connect with them, inform them, and attract them.
Your customers communicate about your products, your services or the products and services of your competition. Getting involved in the discussion, as a knowledge provider helps you to lead your customers to your firm once they are ready to buy.
Hard Selling
Often we see companies hard-selling their products and services on social media. Hard selling scares people and will only work short term, and often against you when done in social channels.
Every company wants long-term customers. Investing in your prospects is important, providing information, rather than hard-selling works much more effectively.
People like to be led. SM allows you to let them walk on your hand.
Choice of Social Media Platforms
There is a huge choice of social media platforms out there. Investigate, study and research, and choose three to five platforms that will work for you at this moment.
Platforms change, people change, the market changes. You also have to be prepared to change with them.
Social Media Friend, Turns Customer
Stand with them, rather than in the distance. Get closer, and be able to whisper in their ear. When they allow you to communicate this close, you get a friend for life.
Friends become customers and bring more friends, i.e. more customers. Become an expert in your field, not just offline. Become the prominent source of information that people can turn to with any questions.
‘Social’ is not scary. Everyone is doing it. Everyone makes mistakes. Don’t worry, just keep trying. Practice makes perfect, and once the first results come in, social media really becomes fun.
Best Tip:
SM is for dummies? Absolutely not!
Consult a professional to inform you about your options. Even better get a second opinion with a second professional. Plenty of Online marketers give one or two-hour workshops, which give deep insight into either one SM platform or general knowledge on the subject of internet marketing, social media and social networking.
Our social platform experts are ready to discuss your options.
