A lot of the small business owners I speak to tell me they don’t ‘like’ or ‘get’ social media.
Well, unfortunately social media is not about you. Keep reading to find out why.
Here’s the most important thing; your customers expect you to be using social media.
So if you’re not a Facebook fan, are terrified of Twitter, or glaze over at the thought of Google+ it’s time you did something about it.
While most small businesses don’t have time to regularly update multiple social media accounts regularly, it certainly pays to be proactive on at least one.
Personally, I like to use Twitter as I’ve found it to be the best for driving traffic to this website.
Below are a few reasons why you should put in the effort when it comes to social media.
- It’s where many of your customers will be
Even if you despise social media with a passion, the truth is many of your target market will be on Twitter, Facebook or Google+
Why ignore a potentially lucrative source of new business? Learn to see social media as a necessary business activity such as paying taxes.
- You can learn a lot even if you don’t want to broadcast
Listening to what your customers, suppliers and competitors are saying on social media channels can be invaluable. So even if you don’t want to post your own regular updates, it’s still worth checking regularly to see what others are saying.
- Social signals matter when it comes to SEO
Ever since ‘the big G’ launched Google+ last year, social media has taken on more importance in terms of SEO.
My advice would be this; if you’re only going to take part in one social media platform, make sure it’s Google+
For a start it’s owned by Google, and secondly, once more businesses start to see the SEO benefits, it’s going to really take off.
Getting familiar with Google+ now could help you steal a march on your competitors.
If you liked this article you may also want to read: A beginner’s guide to Google+
Image Credit: NID chick
Jamie, you are spot on.
I was having a similar conversation with a prospect just last week. They finally got it (rather reluctantly).
When discussing social media with small businesses I always tell them that the keyword in the phrase social media is “social”. As a business you’ll have to be engaging with your customers and as a result it needs to be about their wants and needs.
Great post! Incidentally, loving your writing style.
Thanks Jude, I think a lot of it is down to fear. I know people who didn’t want anything to do with Twitter a few years ago, but now use it all the time.
Hi Jamie, with some help from your posts, I started doing a blog back in September, then moved onto Face book. Your right, clients expect you to be on these platforms. I am thinking of video how to’s for this year.
Eric Horsfall recently posted..Size 12 Oil Stains
Hi Eric, nice to hear from you again. If you need any help/advice with making and marketing your videos, just let me know. I think it’s a very good idea.
Jamie, thanks for that, I need to find a how to, to make how to’s.
Eric Horsfall recently posted..Size 12 Oil Stains
Hi Eric, try this one – http://mashable.com/2010/06/03/how-to-make-how-to-video/