How Social Media Really Works for Small Business
One of the most common questions small business marketers are seeking to answer is, “How can I really benefit from social media?” Social media has certainly changed and improved how small to mid-size businesses can notch out space and connect in an extremely crowded market. When companies participate on the social web in a meaningful way, it helps make a personal connection between customers and the brand.
One of the greatest benefits specifically for small businesses is that access to potential customers has augmented tremendously. Rather than strictly focusing on paid publicity, word-of-mouth referrals, and in-store promotions (or a wacky mascot standing outside) businesses can now frankly find customers that may be interested in their products based on profiles, active discussions, keywords or expressed interests. This is especially key in the ahead of schedule stages of a business life-cycle when cash is at a premium.
If you reckon of the analogy of a party where you don’t know anyone, social media is the equivalent of a one page bio stapled to all’s coat. As a replacement for of being stuck talking with the reclusive butterfly hunter who only leaves the house in search of the rare Palos Verdes Blue, (yes I did have to look that up) you can quickly find the person that likes to shop, travel, and delight in fantastic conversation. Can you imagine all the time and awkwardness saved if you could have done this your whole life?
How is successful social media marketing done and which small businesses out there are doing a excellent job? How is it they avoid the pitfalls of social media? There are a lot of fantastic examples out there and I’ve outlined just a few success tales available online below.
AJ Bombers is a burger joint in Milwaukee, Wisconsin that ramped up in a very tough economy in large part by a high level of creativity around the social media space. They have invested the time to build a personality across a number of platforms like Twitter, Facebook, Foursquare, and YouTube. But, they haven’t fallen in like with the tools for their own sake. The business understands it needs to drive people to the actual location and have done so with social media. The refer to from owner Joe Sorge in the Forrester post highlights his smart approach, “Customers are becoming the business,” he says.
Baby Sitters Directory is an Australian company that helps parents find the right care for their outcome. It’s a huge market and one that also requires a tremendous amount of faith in the service as outcome care is a very personal choice for each family. Creator Ann Nolan recognized the overall business need but also identified the substance of online engagement via social media, particularly with women, after reading a study highlighting the high use in that demographic. Through its use of Facebook, Twitter, and blogging the company has made a base of useful mutual content for parents as they work through a significant choice.
Enhance Me is a specialized portrait company that makes custom photos placing kids in magical settings and has done very well in by social media to spread the word of their unique creations. Victoria Dixon has embraced Facebook, Twitter, and a blog (though not as solidly as the other channels) to promote the business and build relationships with bloggers and customers with measurable results like getting the company endorsed by customers on verygoodservice.com. Dixon notes that her three top tips to consider when jumping into social media include: focus on your goals, platform selection, and time commitments.
There are many small businesses out there doing fantastic social media work to stand out from the millions of options that consumers have. The connection in these cases is be the foresight to identify and commit to by social media marketing in a creative manner with specific goals in mind. One of the fantastic benefits of social media is that small businesses can be unique in executing a successful plot once they establish goals and metrics. Are you aware of other small businesses by social media to succeed? What’s their secret for success?
Gain a competitive advantage by subscribing to the
TopRank® Online Marketing Newsletter.
© Online Marketing Blog, 2011. |
How Social Media Really Facility for Small Business | http://www.toprankblog.com