Are Social Media Sites Right for Your Business?

Experts will tell us that social media sites reach more customers, build more relationships, expand internet awareness, and drive traffic to a website, all for little or no cost.  This is the experts talking.  Is social marketing right for your business?  In this post, let me share with you five questions you can ask to decide whether social media marketing is a good fit for your business. Enjoy and prosper.

Are You Looking For Quick Sales?

Social media sties are not the answer to short term sales.  Here’s an example from one of my clients.

The gift shop wanted to get more summer sales by offering coupons.  They asked me, “Should we create a fan page on Facebook?  Or should we use our emailing list?

I asked how may of their customers were Facebook users?  They had no idea.  To convert the people from an email list to a fan page on Facebook would take years.  I suggested they use their email list because it was better for immediate sales.

Social media sites are not advertising programs.

Where Are Your Customers?

The first rule of business success says, “Go where your customers are!”  Are your customers using social media sites?  Which sties are they using? Professional people are more likely to be found on Linkedin while other businesses and potential customers can be found on Twitter, Facebook or other sites.

I know a young lady in her mid 20’s who built her entire chiropractic practice using Facebook.  Both her and her husband used Facebook to contact all of their friends from college and other local contacts to let them know about her new practice.  This strategy worked because her customers were on Facebook.

Are your customers using social media sites?

What Is Your Type of Business?

It’s common wisdom that business relationships build long term success. Relationships help buyers become repeat buyers or refer others to a business.

What if your business sales don’t require relationship building?  Perhaps you have a product that is always sold on availability or price or a one time purchase.  These types of businesses require less relationships and credibility building.

Social media sites cater to businesses where the owners bring unique qualities, their products have unique benefits and they work with an unique group of customers.  Their product is not a commodity.

Do You Have Time for Consistent Participation?

You must be willing to give time to social media marketing.  Theses sites are called social sites for a reason.  You are expected to engage in conversations with people. This requires daily time.  Software tools can help manage your time.     If you don’t bring a consistent participation, you will be ignored by others on the sites.  A time commitment is required.

Do You Need to Be in Control?

Don’t be offended by my question.  Many people go into business because they are tired of working for others.  They start their own business to express their creativity and get job freedom.

Social media programs demand that you give up your traditional marketing hat—“I am in charge!”  You are an invited guest, like other participants on a social media program.  You come as a guest to participate with others not to manipulate or control them.  No one is in “charge”.

You can influence others by participating with the social media groups.
Your primarily skill is listening.  You listen for what people are saying.  You make contributions.  You make suggestions.   You ask questions.  You provide valuable insights from you base of expertise.   You are not in charge of the marketing and advertising on the social media sites.

Conclusion

Ask these five questions when considering social media marketing for your business.  Make no mistake.  Social media marketing is the standard for the future.  Only you can answer whether this type of marketing is right for your business.

To be continued, your comments are always welcomed…

Al Hanzal