There is so much talk about businesses using social media and ironically I came across some very successful people who do not use social media. So, I decided to ask some experts the question “Why should small businesses use social media?”
This is what they had to say,
RK Castillo, Owner of Purpose Concepts says,
“Every business should use social media to build a relationship with their customers. There has been no other time in history where you could communicate with your customers 30 times in a day and it isn’t frowned upon or considered SPAM. “
Anna Laura Brown who’s been using social media for over 3 years says,
“Yes, because it is the new form of media and advertising and it creates marketing opportunities not available through any other method.”
Kelly Manthey, Partner at Solstice Consulting says,
“The reasoning is simple – People buy from people they like. Companies are made up of people that make buying desicions. No matter the desicion making process, it ultimately comes down to – do I like this person (or what this person stands for) and do I trust them to deliver on their promise? Through the use of social media you can engage with people when they are ready to listen. If someone is browsing facebook they are in the frame of mind for consuming information. Contrast that with trying to reach someone by phone and catching them at a bad time or playing voicemail tag.”
Marsha Sharpe of Song Division says,
“I think it is a way to have a ‘conversation’ with clients and a way to get feedback. It is also a way for people to spread the word about their experiences!” She further says “It helps small businesses play in an arena where big businesses are.”
Deb Haupt, Owner of Haupt Antiek Market that sells antique and vintage items says,
“I believe every business should have their name out in front of people. Social Media is where the eye balls are! It’s free, it gives you the whole world to play in and it is effective. ”
Camille Leon, Executive Director of The Holistic Chamber of Commerce says,
“It is a wonderful, easy, free way to expand your network beyond the usual and help you meet new customers. It makes it easier for your customers to communicate with you. ”
Bill Gluth, The Conscious Life and Business Coach says,
“While most small business owners do not have the time or expertise to use social media tools to build 10,000 followers, any small business owner can use content marketing (supported by social media) to build authority in their market niche.”
David Gadarian of Gadarian Consulting Services says,
“SM is a great opportunity to not only connect with customers but it also can provide a very compelling listening channel for businesses.”
Gaetan Giannini, Professor at Cedar Crest College says,
“Social media can and should create a social environment which builds trust and allows the firm to show the value of products and services, create relationships, and ultimately, increase sales, profits and even pricing levels.”
Kristin Lannum, Owner & CEO at Lannum Enterprises says,
“Social Media is more casual and is more just piquing their interest in order to drive more people to business websites to explore further to see what goods and services they offer the public.”
Barbara Schaefer, co-owner of Life…Through Dogs says,
“All businesses should use social media to keep them and their business in the forefront of customer’s minds and to build relationships with customers. We know that our long term customers, our loyal customers, are the foundation of our businesses, social media helps build and keep that foundation.”
Megan Hill, certified grant writer and non profit consultant says,
“Tools like Facebook and Twitter have allowed us to connect with businesses and products in new ways by being able to PARTICIPATE, rather than simply receive information through ads. Businesses that choose not to jump into the fray are missing out.”
Paul Cronin, Director of Business Development at Successful Transition Planning Institute says,
“Social media is about sharing information, proving expertise, creating testimonials – then getting business. B to C firms may be able to leverage “selling” more quickly.”
Based on what experts have said, it is now for you to decide if you want to make social media a part of your marketing strategy.
Place your comments on what you think about this in the comments section below.
This article has been written by the editors at StartUpGrowthExpert.com.
For A Comprehensive Immersion In Social Media, Check Out Mari Smith’s Quick Start Social Media Kit. Click Here
Those who sign up for Mari Smith’s Quick Start Social Media Kit get instant access to 8 hours of online training in social media via recorded webinar including a two hour immersion in Twitter, a two-hour immersion in Facebook, a two-hour immersion in social media integration and a bonus two-hour Q&A. PLUS, there are 62 short tutorials ranging from 2-12 minutes. PLUS, a physical 8-video CD set and workbook is mailed out. This package is ideal for small business owners wanting to ramp up their social media success significantly. The training is geared toward beginner, intermediate and advanced. There’s something here for everyone! Click here to sign up.
Mobile Marketing PlaybookIs this the Year of Mobile? For over a decade this proclamation has turned out to be premature, giving marketers ample reason to be skeptical. The dif... Read More >
Guerrilla Marketing, 4th edition: Easy and Inexpensive Strategies for Making Big Profits from Your Small BusinessWhen Guerrilla Marketing was first published in 1983, Jay Levinson revolutionized marketing strategies for the small-business owner with his take-no-p... Read More >
Duct Tape Marketing: The World's Most Practical Small Business Marketing GuideDuct Tape Marketing is the small business marketing road map - A collection of proven tools and tactics woven together in a step-by-step marketing ... Read More >
Related posts:
- Top 3 gurus who can help you leverage your social media efforts
- How to Choose the Right Social Media Consultant for Your Business
- Using Press Releases To Get Free Publicity In The Media
- Join 22 Facebook Experts at Web’s Largest Facebook Marketing Conference
- Streamline Your Marketing For Better Results
