There are many challenges associated with running the day-to-day operations of a small business. Engaging with customers, keeping inventory stocked, generating new leads, and managing marketing channels are just some of the endless tasks that need attention – BUT it doesn’t have to be so overwhelming!

Communicating with customers, boosting SEO, and marketing your business can now be simplified through social media. Though the time commitment can be intimidating, when implemented with consistency, the results are clear. Social media marketing works – and if you’re not optimizing it, you risk falling behind! If running your social media accounts day-to-day is something that disinterests or intimidates you – contact 813 Media Lab to find out more about our social media management services.

Wondering why social media is so crucial for your small business? Not to worry, we have you covered! 

Here are 5 reasons why your brand needs a social media presence:

1. Brand Awareness
The most significant reason for having an active social media presence is the increase in brand awareness that follows as a result.

Having an active social media presence makes it easier for your customers to connect with you. Out of the over 1 billion Instagram users, 60% admit to finding new brands via the app. Correctly utilizing the platform can put your brand in front of many potential customers (hashtags, locations, and tagging are a few great ways to get noticed)

Implementing a social media strategy within your business marketing plan will significantly increase brand recognition. By investing a few hours per week, over 91% of small businesses claimed that their social marketing efforts significantly increased their brand’s traffic and heightened user experience.

2. Customer Engagement
‍Social media platforms offer the unique opportunity for you to connect directly with customers publicly on the page feed and privately via Direct Message (DM). Communicating directly with your followers helps to build relationships with existing and potential customers.

Developing long-standing relationships with your customers is essential, as it establishes a sense of loyalty to your brand, giving you the advantage over competitors who may not be active on the platform. Customer loyalty leads to repeat customers, which is one of the primary goals of almost any business.

3. Brand Reputation
Regular engagement with your customers shows that you care about them and their experience with your brand. While customer engagement typically works in your favor, social media now also serves as a platform for reviews and ratings – both good and bad.

Though a bad review can be damaging, responding appropriately and promptly can help rectify the situation. If you’re able to successfully respond to the situation on a public social media platform, your audience will see firsthand that you value customer feedback, increasing your brand’s credibility as a result.

Positive reviews are incredibly valuable and can essentially serve as free advertisement for your brand. Once you have a few satisfied customers who become vocal about their experience, new and potential customers will read these reviews and feel more confident purchasing from your company.

‍‍4. Industry Insight
Social media also provides an excellent channel for promoting company news to your audience. Highlighting brand accomplishments, announcing upcoming offers, and other relevant information allows your customers to feel ‘in the know,’ creating a sense of community.

Sharing essential brand information and responding to customer questions on social media can also make customers feel more confident when purchasing from your brand.

5. Cost Effectiveness 
Most social media platforms are free, making them very cost-effective digital marketing tools. Rather than investing thousands of dollars in big print or web ads, try out these lower-cost options – and learn your audience. What your audience wants to see and how they respond to campaigns will be instantly visible via social media analytics. The data can then be utilized in driving other marketing strategies. Social media is the perfect tool for testing out content ideas and gauging customer interest and engagement without substantial costs.

Compared to traditional advertising/marketing campaigns, social media is significantly less expensive – even if you decide to hire a social media manager!

The sooner you start engaging customers on social media, the sooner you’ll see growth in your business. If you need another pair of hands to help you manage the digital world, contact 813 Media Lab today.