Every small business should take a close look at Social Media and put it into effect. Why you might ask? Because Social Media is used by millions of people, it is where people get information and tell others about everyday stuff. Using each type of Social Media platform effectively will help spread the word about your business to those living in your area. It is very useful for business in suburban areas of major cities such as, Chicago, New York, or LA. So how can each of these help you? Lets find out.
Twitter
Twitter isn’t just for individuals to connect with people around the world sharing news, photos, and everyday, sometimes mundane activities. It is also an excellent forum for businesses to attract customers and is especially good for those with tight budgets. Be careful not to be spammy, twitter users are savvy and it will only make you look bad. Instead, work on creating a friendly, customer focused vision. Start conversations by asking about subjects that relate to the area your business is in. Have contests. A lot of small businesses are attracting lots of twitter followers, thus spreading the word about themselves by having giveaways when they reach follower milestones. Use twitter provide customer support.
Pinterest
Pinterest is the latest Social Media platform to really take-off. The key is to pin photos that are visually attractive. Don’t pin photos that are depressing or poor quality. Find photos that relate to your business and where it is based. For example, if you’re an interior designer in Chicago, find photos of beautiful interiors located in Chicago. Amongst what you pin include some of your work, so more people become aware of who you are. The main thing to be aware of is the legal problems they have had with copy write infringement.
Facebook
On Facebook set up a business ‘Fan’ page. Make sure you provide as much information about your business here as possible such as, address, contact details, and what you do. Like Twitter, use Facebook to connect with people located in your city, encourage discussions and answer questions. Use Facebook to list special offers or sales. Also use Twitter to direct people to your Facebook page; telling them that is where they’ll find info about deals.
Google+
Like Facebook, Google+ lets you connect with customers, but it has more tools. You can group your followers into circles, separating customers from business contacts. This means that you can share the information you want with the people it is most relevant too. Google+ also lets you communicate with customers live on video. If people like what you have to offer they can give it a +1, which will share your business with their connections.
Foursquare
Foursquare is great for businesses where customers come to you such as restaurants, book shops, hair salons, and spas. Every time someone uses the tool to say that they are at your location that is being shared with their friends on their social networks. It is a great way to create customer loyalty and by having a presence on Foursquare you are letting those that use the tool know that you care about them. The Harvard Business Review recently said that 91-percent of businesses do very little or nothing to keep the customers they already have. Making your mark where customers are will help you stand out. Recently, Foursquare set up a section just for businesses which allows you to promote your services in its tool. and gives you useful statistics.
Meetup
Meetup lets you set up a group for your community. For example, if you are located in a western suburb of Chicago then set up a group for there. You can use your group to organize real world meet up’s such as, a special event at your restaurant or shop.
Always use your Social Media platforms to let your customers know about what other Social Media you use. They each have different uses and your customers may have different connections on each one, helping to spread the word about your business. If setting Social Media is daunting and you don’t know where to start, you can find professional help. One Chicago based company, Archway Internet Marketing specializes in helping businesses with using Social Media to market their services.
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