The power of social media, such as Facebook and Twitter, must not be underestimated for your local business.
Not only are they effective marketing tools, but they also allow your local business to engage customers on a completely new level.
In addition, social media helps to foster a real sense of community.
Those two things alone may make the use of social media priceless.
Add in the millions of visitors to social media sites and it is easy to understand the potential visibility your local business can generate.
If you have not gotten the point, you need to be on social media sites! Marketing Your local business can use social media as an inexpensive and cost-effective marketing tool.
Facebook and Twitter are both free to use and only require the time involved, which is very little when you consider the impact it can have on your business.
For example, your local business can post promotions or events on Facebook or offer savings discounts to followers on Twitter.
Posting informative articles or tips can also help establish your business as a leading expert and authority in your field.
Remember, you do not have to post all of your information on these social media sites, you can use them to drive traffic to your business' website or blog.
Potential Clients Besides promoting your local business, these social media tools can also help you compile the names and email addresses of potential clients.
Consider it a modern-day "word of mouth" phenomenon.
Someone looking for a local business might post their need on Facebook, and one of your friends might be able to refer them to your page.
Twitter can also generate leads by catching references to local businesses in your city.
Creating a Sense of Community One of the biggest advantages for a local business that uses social media is the sense of community.
With Facebook or Twitter, customers can engage with your staff and each other.
They can share news or simply tell funny stories.
Make sure to post two to three conversational posts for every one informative post.
Improving Communication There is also an improved sense of communication for the customers.
Social media sites allow customers and your local business to communicate in almost real time, improving the responsiveness of the business.
Remember, that people expect you to respond, so do not ignore your account.
You need to take five to ten minutes every day to check your social media accounts.
In addition, the brevity and ease will increase the amount that you and your clients share, making the customer feel as if they are a part of your day.
Eye on the Competition Since approximately 57 percent of all Americans now use some kind of social media, it is a good bet that the competition might be using it too.
On Twitter, a local business can follow the competition and learn what is new.
Perhaps they are updating equipment or have implemented the latest trendy item in your industry.
Knowing this could help you respond with a similar product or service, or with your own innovation.
So, if your local business has not yet discovered the many benefits to using social media, you definitely need to try out these amazing tools.
Your business will have access to free marketing and potential customers, and may discover or create a true sense of community with your customers.
As an added benefit, you can keep an eye on the competition, which just might provide a distinct edge.
Your action is to go to Facebook and Twitter and set up accounts for your company.
Do not worry about making them look fancy, just get started!