By Alison Riggan
“I have a small business, do I really need to use social media?”
That’s the question I’ve heard asked on multiple occasions from owners of small businesses who don’t want to go through the hassle of learning about various social media platforms.
The short answer? Yes! Utilizing social media in your small business can be extremely beneficial. In fact, small businesses can benefit more from utilizing social media than larger companies. You see, small businesses can focus more on customer engagement within social media. They are more likely to respond to comments from consumers, which improves your business’s relationship with your customers as well as enhances the perception of your business within the community.
Consumer interaction is a key ingredient to a successful media campaign. So what are some other ways that your small business can engage with consumers? Giveaways are another great option. For example, I’ve seen many small clothing businesses post a picture of multiple shirts and say “Which shirt is your favorite? Comment with your answer and then share this post for a chance to win your favorite!” This is a fantastic way to spark engagement with consumers while getting some additional brand recognition.
Small businesses are also in the unique position to ask for feedback and then actually change things accordingly. For example, you can post something along the lines of “What would you like to see more of in our store?” You can then review the comments and adapt to the suggestions without having to run everything up the corporate ladder.
Finally, another reason to use social media for your small business- it’s FREE! Posting on various social media outlets a few times a week is a great way to help develop your brand and reach more consumers without having to pay for other expensive marketing campaigns. If you don’t currently utilize social media regularly, I recommend signing up and getting started today!
