There is a lack of consensus in the actual inception date of the internet. From 1965 to the 1970s the Pentagon was working on projects to transmit groups of data, beginning something that looks like what we call the internet. Websites and host servers began emerging in the 1980s, developing into the United States’ West Coast cultural phenomenon of general business use of the internet to websites design by businesses in the 2000s. Though the exact date in history that the internet started is hard to trace, it is the internet that has brought us today’s prize marketing tool: The Website. Today, nearly every business uses a website to mark their territory on the world wide web. Websites are the virtual building that showcases a business’ vision and products.
Here at Southern Tide Media we specialize in website design and optimization. As websites have become so prolific in use by businesses, the ability of a single business’ website to being found on the internet has become a science of search engine optimization and blogging. So, whoever has the best SEO and regular blogging can keep their website at the top of the internet search. Simple. Or is it. As a media firm, we will encourage you to note that being found on the internet is not enough to be called a marketing plan. In addition to SEO or blogging, there is another business marketing power play.
Business marketing power play: Social Media!
Each and every day millions of people access, communicate and utilize their social media accounts. These various applications of social communication have already replaced television’s reach and influence over the last ten years. But what does social media have to do with businesses? Isn’t social media where you watch funny animal videos, reconnect with old girlfriends and have intense political arguments?
Well, let us put it in business terms for you: does customer service equal stronger sales? YES! Today’s clients tend not to trust big retailers. Marketing research has shown consumers buy more through referral and furthermore, repeating purchases due to receiving great customer service. Also, consumers today are also very distracted. The average person visits the internet or social media over 30 times a day! Your business’ response of building a website for your business was a necessity, but through using social media for business, you can drive the traffic to your website.
Now, picture this: your website is your business’ building in the world of internet. Consumers are zooming by on the highway and byways of the world wide web. Millions of potential clients. In walks social media…the sign twirling associate outside grabbing the attention of the people passing by! But not only is the social media associate outside the door of your business twirling the catchy sign, another social media associate is also going through the neighborhood door knocking; and another associate is hanging out in town offering VIP passes to your business.
See, Social Media channels: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest and Google+ are great sources for advertising and when utilized for your business, they reach into the space of internet and guide clients to your website. Step one is making a page or profile for your business so they show as more options to reaching your business on the internet. Step two to efficiently utilize the social media channels as funnels to drive traffic to your website by being active on your social media business channels. We explain this as the difference between putting up a billboard sign verse using the twirling sign holder: which demands more attention?
Social media marketing also meets your potential clients where they are currently. If they are hanging out at home… social media knocks on their door. If your potential client likes a particular park or club, social media can leave the “building” and advertise in the park or club. Social media gives your business the opportunity to interact outside the higher pressure sales environment, personalizing your business into an approachable and desired brand. This communicates to today’s consumers that as a small or large business, you are a business to be trusted, resulting in driving more traffic to your website.
Does your business marketing plan include the use social media? Give us a call to discuss social media management.
