Social Media Marketing for Small Businesses

Everyone has heard of social media, but do you know the impact it can have on your business?

Social media has become the "it" word in marketing, and includes sites like Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, and Pinterest, among many others. Not long ago, this new form of networking was practically unknown, let alone practical for businesses. However, it has grow into a marketing approach that has just as much influence as any other more established form of marketing. Social media is all about connecting with people on a more personal level - whether they are friends, associates, or customers. For small and local businesses, social media's strength lies in being able to convey a genuine, human side to customers online. You're no longer just a location or a faceless ad, but a real business with ties to the community. It can have a great deal of impact with the way customers perceive you, how customer service can be handled, and the way you can keep your customers informed. Here are some quick social media statistics:

• Almost 70% of internet users use social media sites. This is a massive majority of the market, and countless potential customers for your business.
• 50% of customers say they are more likely to buy from businesses they follow on social media sites. Connecting with customers increases sales!
• Only 53% of small businesses are using social media today; you can still get ahead of the competition with an effective social media campaign.

Taking charge of social media for your business is not something that should be overlooked; it has proven to be effective time and again, especially for local firms. There's an initial learning curve if you're unfamiliar with it, but it can be a tremendous asset to your business with a bit of guidance.  If you can determine which social networks your target market uses most frequently, you can focus your attention on one or two sites at first. Learning how to use a single social network at a time will be easier for you, and you won't have to manage multiple accounts at once. When you feel comfortable with one site, you can add another network into your strategy. It may feel like a slow start, but you'll quickly be on your way to an effective social media campaign which will help you interact with customers, grow your brand, and have the potential to make more sales.

To learn more and get a copy of our Free Small Business Marketing eBook, visit us at www.cyclonestrategies.com