THE IMPORTANCE OF SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING
When you woke up this morning, what was the first thing you did? Maybe take a drink of water or stretch your legs? Chances are, you probably checked your phone. According to IDC research, 4 out of 5 smartphone owners check their phones within the first 15 minutes of waking up; 80% of those users touch their phone before doing anything else. While we participate in a variety of activities on our smartphones – texting, checking email, looking at photos – social media usage tops the list. On average, internet users spend 1.72 hours of their day on social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and LinkedIn – making social media the online activity that Americans engage in more than any other.”
Technology is more and more becoming integrated into our lives. In 2001, Marc Pensky coined the term “digital native” to refer to those born into this new culture where technology rules our lives. In this technology- and media-saturated world, social media is quickly becoming the top means of communication – not just for individuals to keep in touch with their friends and family, but on a consumer level, too. Customers are connecting with their favorite businesses and brands on social media – and in return companies are using social media to reach their current and prospective customer base.
Why market on a social media site?
Social media marketing has many benefits. For example, social media marketing allows brands to interact with their customers more directly than traditional forms of marketing such as billboards or direct mail. With social media, it’s easier for brands to see how customers are engaging with their products and services; in many cases, it’s also easier for brands to glean information about their target audience. The quickness of social media also makes it easy to respond to customers immediately and address problems as soon as they arise.
Social media is an ideal marketing tool that allows companies to implement their brand message across a large or small audience in order to meet communication and branding goals. In 2015, there were 2.206 billion active social media users – that’s a global penetration of 30%. Social media marketing is giving businesses, especially small businesses, a chance to increase their brand exposure and web traffic, as well as gain market insights. You can have a social media campaign be broad and reach millions, or you can make it more localized towards a specific audience. Both will enable you to market efficiently and effectively.
Why do consumers follow companies on social media?
The top five reason why consumers follow companies on social media are to:
- Find out about promotions and discounts
- Receive information on the latest products
- Have easy access to customer service
- Watch entertaining content/ads
- Offer feedback
According to Social Media Today, 46% of web users utilize social media when making a purchasing decision. We have all heard of word-of-mouth marketing, but has it changed and transformed into word-of-text? Consumers are more likely to trust the review of a friend or family member than they are the messaging in a commercial – which makes social media a natural fit for brands. The more content you share, the more audience you reach. And the more audience you reach, the greater the chances are of someone sharing your content.
Social media marketing is the perfect way to reach new customers, promote your products and services, and grow your business. Whatever the objectives or goals you have for your business, social media marketing can help you get there. Don’t miss the opportunity to grow your business—include social media is your marketing plan. Contact us today to learn more!