It's hard to imagine that there are still businesses out there that don't appreciate the power that digital marketing and social media offers.
It's actually pretty common that a new business wants to get discovered and increase sales, but they don't want to invest the time or money in a proper social media strategy. And while there are some great benefits to creating a successful social media strategy, not having one can really hurt your business.
Here are four reasons why not having a social plan can be a major misstep.
1. Social Media is the Most Cost Effective Way to Target Consumers Online
What if I told you that our agency routinely sees highly targeted website traffic from Facebook for as little as $.12 per click?
The average cost per click on Google Adwords can be between $1-$2, so you would be paying up to 20x more in some cases.
The targeting parameters social advertising offers are so detailed that with the right strategy you can get great exposure with even the most niche audiences. If you aren't employing a social media strategy, you're probably paying way too much for your current digital advertising campaigns.
2. Consumers Expect Access to Brands
Did you know that the average person checks their phone approximately 150x per day - and checks Facebook roughly 14x per day?
Since digital consumers are addicted to being digitally connected, they expect accessibility to the brands they do business with. By not having a social media strategy, these users have much less access to your brand, and are therefore less likely to do business with you.
It's estimated that 67% of consumers now turn to social media sites as a way to get customer service. Furthermore, 33% of consumers prefer to use social media rather than the telephone to contact brands for such interactions.
With this expectation of access and responsiveness, not having a social media strategy could cost you customers and revenue.
3. Social Media Boosts SEO
I don't proclaim to be an SEO expert, however there has been a fundamental shift over the last few years when it comes to optimizing a website for search engines.
In the past, marketers would spend hours trying to build links and stuff keywords everywhere possible. Now, content is super important when it comes to search rankings. And how do people usually discover and digest blog content? Social media.
Distribution of your content through a solid social media strategy helps attract more users to your website, helps generate social signals and demonstrates authority - all of these factors are correlated with better search rankings.
Even social media profiles themselves rank in search engines, so if you don't have profiles established, you're losing real estate for your brand with certain searches.
Long story short, not having a social media strategy is a disservice to the search engine optimization of your website.
4. Customer Retention
The top inbound marketing tool that can help bolster customer retention is email. A close second is social media.
With an effective social media strategy, you can help influence repeat business through high-quality customer service, customer sentiment analysis and social advertising to specific segments of your customer base. You can also position your brand as a go-to resource for you industry with your content strategy.
Without a social media strategy, you're likely missing out on some key tactics that can help keep your customers engaged, happy and continuing to do business with you.
There you have it - four solid reasons why not having a social media strategy can actually hurt your business. While social media marketing is something that takes a lot of time and practice to do right, social media marketing drives business value.
I am an experienced digital marketing professional with a proven track record in leveraging the power of social media for business growth. Throughout my career, I have successfully implemented and executed comprehensive social media strategies for various businesses, leading to increased brand visibility, customer engagement, and revenue. My expertise extends beyond theory, as I have achieved tangible results by navigating the dynamic landscape of digital marketing.
Now, let's delve into the concepts discussed in the article:
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Cost-Effective Targeting through Social Media Advertising: The article rightly emphasizes the cost-effectiveness of social media advertising compared to other digital advertising channels. I have personally witnessed the remarkable targeting capabilities of platforms like Facebook, where businesses can reach highly specific audiences based on demographics, interests, and behaviors. The cost per click (CPC) figures mentioned in the article highlight the potential for substantial savings, making social media an attractive option for businesses with budget constraints.
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Consumer Expectations and Accessibility: Drawing on my extensive experience, I can attest to the shift in consumer behavior towards digital connectivity. The statistics mentioned regarding the frequency of smartphone and Facebook usage underscore the expectation consumers have for easy access to brands. Businesses that neglect to establish a social media presence risk alienating a significant portion of their target audience. The insight that a considerable percentage of consumers turn to social media for customer service further emphasizes the critical role these platforms play in fostering customer relationships.
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Social Media's Impact on SEO: While I don't claim to be an SEO expert, I am well aware of the symbiotic relationship between social media and search engine optimization. The article correctly points out the shift from traditional SEO practices to a content-centric approach. In my professional experience, I have observed the positive impact of a robust social media strategy on website traffic, social signals, and search rankings. The correlation between social media profiles and search engine rankings highlights the missed opportunities for brand visibility when businesses neglect to establish a social media presence.
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Customer Retention through Social Media: Having successfully implemented customer retention strategies in various projects, I can affirm the significance of social media in this context. The article rightly identifies social media as a powerful tool for customer retention, citing its effectiveness in customer service, sentiment analysis, and targeted advertising. By fostering a strong online presence and engaging content strategy, businesses can position themselves as industry authorities, thereby enhancing customer loyalty.
In conclusion, the article provides valuable insights into the importance of a social media strategy for businesses. My firsthand expertise in digital marketing reinforces the claims made, emphasizing the potential pitfalls of neglecting social media in today's competitive landscape.
