Marketing and advertising can be expensive, which is the last thing your small business needs in the current economy. Social media offers tools for promotion that require little effort and little or no money. Since today’s average consumer is more computer-savvy than ever, it’s worth it to take the time to learn how local social media marketing can work for you.
Establishing Yourself
As part of your local internet marketing plan, getting started with social media marketing can be as simple as setting up and promoting a Facebook Page and Twitter account for your business. Include “Follow Us on Facebook” and the address of your Twitter feed at the bottom of business cards or flyer to remind patrons to look you up later and comment on their visit. This helps establish the social media presence of your company and can begin to generate related content that has the potential to draw new consumers.
Social Media Marketing Statistics
With over 1.5 million content links being shared on Facebook every day, it’s not surprising that people have turned to local social media marketing for their businesses. As many as 88% of marketers are currently using social media as a promotional tool. The popularity of sites like Facebook and Twitter, along with the growing number of blogs and local mobile usage, makes the internet a prime candidate for advertising.
Roughly 78% of consumers trust recommendations from friends over traditional advertisements, meaning that potential customers are more likely to believe feedback on your Facebook Page than your latest spot in the yellow pages. What people say about your products and services on the internet has a growing impact on your company as a whole.
Local Social Media Marketing for Growth
Local social media marketing means targeting close to home and marketing directly to consumers in your area. Something as simple as tweeting about how your cafés hot spiced cider combats the current cold weather can draw people to stop by. This kind of marketing allows you to:
- use festivals, holidays, historical events, and more as opportunities for promotion
- post and promote short-term coupons and specials
- make special announcements about upcoming new products, seasonal sales, and on-site events
- have real-time conversations with patrons about what they like and what needs improvement
Benefits of Local Social Media Marketing
When you use social media marketing to target locally, you have a chance to develop a personal relationship with potential and existing customers. Rather than the distant, one-size-fits-all marketing from big corporations, your small business can connect and speak directly to the consumer instantly. They can ask questions and leave feedback via Twitter and Facebook, allowing you to form a picture of how people are experiencing your service and products. This information makes it easy to respond to customer wants and needs, which builds your reputation as a friendly and consumer-oriented establishment.
The growing social media trend makes local social media marketing a viable tool for small business promotion. Engaging in social media can draw new patrons, bring existing ones back, and establish growing internet visibility for your company.
Contact Us Now for a detailed explanation of our packages, pricing and how we will help grow your business.