Is it Time for a Social Media Presence for Your Company?

In today’s world full of new media and digital communication technologies, companies of all sizes and industries have a huge opportunity to expand the reach of their messages using social media.

Social Media has the potential to attract and hold the attention of a vast demographic of people; especially those have grown numb to traditional media. Some other benefits your company will experience by including social media in your company’s marketing portfolio.

1. Affordable Media: There’s no need for a large budget to conduct social marketing
2. Viral Nature: Users can easily share your messages with their friends with a click of the button.
3. Enhances Brand: Through social media you can build and enhance your online reputation
4. Builds Credibility : User generated endorsements are more credible than traditional advertising
5. Increases Traffic: A well planned social media strategy will drive more traffic to your website.
6. Engages Customers: Connect with customers and respond to their feedback in real time.

Ironically, a majority of companies are aware of the benefits associated with social media marketing, but most companies have not established a social media strategy. My reasoning for this is that most business owners feel they have limited resources or they don’t fully understand social media , so they don’t know where to begin.

8 Steps to a Successful Social Media Marketing Plan

1. Educate yourself and your staff on social media
2. Ensure social media policies and guidelines are established
3. Ensure your brand is protected and consistent
4. Create a social media presence in your community
5. Utilize social media in your PR endeavors
6. Measure your social activities
7. Monitor your online brand reputation
8. Establish a digital crisis management strategy for social damage control

It’s vital for your company to stay up to speed with today’s evolving digital media technologies. This way, you can monitor what customers are saying about your brand online, but more importantly, leverage these new media tools to create and foster positive conversations around your brand.