Social Media Trends Not to Miss
With the plethora of social media options available to businesses, social networking trends tend to change quicker than we can blink. Where can small-to-medium businesses focus their efforts to maximise their benefits?
Social media marketing
Without a doubt, social media is now a fundamental part of marketing, and here to stay. Its yearly exponential growth cannot predetermine the next site that will command the trend lists, but one thing is for certain: the relationship between the company and the consumer has changed, and the new two-way communication is ever increasing. Consumers know that they can expect an ongoing relationship with a brand, and expect a response to their conversation. Companies have jumped on the opportunity to use this cost-effective marketing. Why not? It’s customer service and advertising, all rolled into an inexpensive marketing package.
Google +
Although nowhere near the popularity of Facebook, Google+ is a prime opportunity of social media’s great opportunities. G+ posts are monitored by Google’s spiders and are included in Search and Your World results. Businesses may even pop up in the Plus Box when a search is launched…more opportunities for added exposure.
Location-based services
Setting up a business page on Facebook, Yelp, and Google+ takes minimum effort. The benefits are endless, now that check-in features allow your business to get in on the fun of exposure without any additional expense or work. Many social media programs and apps include location-based options, and this trend is ever-increasing. Results, fast.
Blogs
Searching for an outlet for you and your company to share thoughts and engage clients? Without spending a penny? A blog will allow you a forum to detail new products, services, and industry-related news. Free. Blogs are making a comeback, and will not only be a great starting point for a dialogue with your customers, but also boosts your search rankings through the use of good keywords. Now that’s efficiency.
Sales through social media
Although sales shouldn’t be the focus of your social media campaign, there is still ample opportunity to be on the forefront of consumers’ minds when they make that purchase. Building your brand credibility, as well as creating and maintaining a dialogue with consumers, will definitely sway their final purchase decision. 80 percent of social media users base sales decisions on that relationship and contact. Pinterest, Facebook, and Twitter, among many other sites, drive huge amounts of referral traffic. Grab onto that chance, and maximise your sales potential by continuing to be ever-present in the social media marketplace.
