I regularly attend various local Chamber of Commerce events and am constantly asked; “Do I really need to use social media?” My answer is always yes. However, the amount of time, money and effort you need to invest depends on the business, the same goes for your business.

Let’s start with exactly what is social media marketing. Here is the definition from Wikipedia

Social media marketing refers to the process of getting website traffic or attention through social networking sites.

Social media marketing programs typically focus on efforts to create attention-grabbing content that encourages readers to share it with their friends and family. Electronic word-of-mouth (eWoM) refers to any statement that consumers share over the Internet (for example, websites, social networks, instant messages, news sources) about an event, product, service, brand, or company. . When the underlying message is passed from one user to another and presumably resonates because it appears to come from a trusted external source, as opposed to the brand or company itself, this form of marketing results in “earned media” rather than “earned media.” paid”. ‘.

one) Your customers spread the word. When you do good work for your clients and/or customers, it’s easy to get them to comment, like your posts, or watch your videos. The best way to do this is to remember to ASK THEM! When you build this into your standard operating procedures, it becomes a habit. Once it becomes a habit, it’s amazing how quickly your customers and/or clients will spread the word for you.

2) Social media can put you in front of people who are hard to reach. With most platforms it’s all about reach. Whether they’re friends of friends on Facebook or second- and third-degree connections on LinkedIn, you can reach your targeted audience quickly and easily.

3) Drive traffic back to your website. For most businesses, the biggest challenge is traffic. Whether it’s people walking in the door or people visiting your website, you need traffic. Do an online search for your own name. What comes first? I bet pennies on dollars it’s a social media profile, if you have one. Search engines like Google, Yahoo, and Bing give a lot of “credit” to an active social presence. It’s social proof! Make sure people can quickly and easily find their way to your website from all your different profiles.

It works for you while you sleep, this is my favorite! Once you establish your presence, develop and nurture your following, you’ll be able to wake up in the morning and see Comments, Likes and Shares. And if you’re prepared for it, people will have bought your products and services while you were sleeping!