"Social media is the modern version of ‘word-of-mouth’ referrals." Analyzing and understanding the online behavior of target clients is crucial in developing an effective social media strategy. Without a consistent social media presence, businesses miss the opportunity to be ‘on the radar’ for clients during their decision-making process. However, you can only achieve
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long-term success by committing to a daily effort to stay connected to customers. It’s a marathon, not a sprint. What about social media marketing? One of the unique benefits of using social media for business is the opportunity for direct and indirect marketing to an audience. Spending money on direct social media advertising campaigns can be an effective method to grow an audience and build a brand while also providing insightful analytics to better direct future advertising efforts. Indirect marketing comprises the bulk of social media activity and is an excellent way for companies to connect with their clients authentically. The appeal for most social media users when deciding whether to do business with a specific company is the extent of their transparency. Whether reading reviews from previous customers or scrolling through posted content, these elements allow customers to experience the culture of a company on their own terms.
Customer comments, feedback, and reviews can have as much if not more impact on a potential customer than any directmarketing campaign. Converting a possible lead to an actual client may be more dependent on what others are saying about your brand, versus the image portrayed in a paid advertisement.
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between the 1980s and 1990s, are now reaching an age where they are likely a key decision-maker in their household. They have also grown up with evolving social media platforms, and use these platforms as resources throughout the decision-making process.
Who are your brand ambassadors? Social media is a unique marketing tool primarily for its potential to cultivate a community of brand ambassadors, perhaps the best ‘marketing tool’ available to promote a company and their services. By sharing engaging content and responding to customer comments, an organic dialogue is established online for all to see. Social media is the modern version of ‘word-of-mouth’ referrals. The reality is customers are more likely to prefer one company over another based on the social media culture they have created. Online reviews are a critical component of the first-impression for new customers. Building and cultivating an organic community of brand ambassadors can be a slow process. However, the lasting influence those customers can have on future business is undeniable.