Recent disruptions of the internet notwithstanding, advancing technology has presented small medium enterprises (SMEs) with plenty of more options on how to promote their businesses.
Using digital channels like social media, blogs and websites allows SME owners to communicate, market their products and hopefully sell to a wider range of people not only locally, but across the world.
On the other hand, running a small business is not as easy as it sounds. Budgets are usually inadequate for the required advertising on different media channels. Fortunately, social media provides you with all the tools you need to generate sales.
Recently, my friend started selling ladies undergarments but after a few months, realized she was operating in losses. Most of her limited customers were still made up of people in her own circles.
She approached me for ideas on how to increase exposure of her business. Reflecting on the fact that many people are more active on social media, I advised her to create social media platforms for the business.
We then together created content that is appealing, combined it with pictures of her products and details on how potential customers can contact her. This worked wonders! She soon started receiving orders via these online platforms and recorded an increase in the number of customers.
As a small business owner and as much as possible, you need to put yourself out thereif there is going to be any chances of success. Social media/digital marketing boosts visibility. Other bloggers and customers may also link and share timely stories about your business across their pages. This keeps it in search engines, which in turn yields possibly more customers. It is also a cheaper way through which an entrepreneur can reach out to his/her audience, build awareness and create a positive business image.
Images or videos have an enormous impact in triggering various responses to your content marketing. Endeavour to include visuals of your products on social media. Visual effect can attract more traffic, receive more likes, shares, and engagement than grey text updates.
The other point about social media is, it creates long-lasting relationships between you and your customers since you directly interact with them in their inboxes. These results into two things– customers referring you to other people interested in the same products. Secondly, it also helps you get feedback directly from customers for purposes of serving them better.
Most importantly, digital/social media marketing develops trust and credibility for your brand without you spending excessively. All you have to do is ensure you serve your customers with diligence because they will keep mentioning your brand/products in their circles, thus growing your business in the long run.
Commit yourself towards updating your pages on a daily basis, showcasing new products and timely response to customer queries. You will witness the returns regarding new customers and more people talking about your business. Interestingly, you will get all that visibility for free.
Social media marketing is a powerful way for businesses of all sizes to reach prospects and customers.