The Top 7 Benefits of Social Media for Small Business Owners

When Facebook first came along, it was viewed as nothing more than a way for old friends to reconnect and new friends to find each other. That has changed dramatically, and these days businesses are routinely using not only Facebook, but other social media platforms like Twitter, Linkedin and Instagram.

Those businesses know that social media can be a powerful tool for connecting with their customers, expanding their brands and building trust with their audiences. If you own a small business, you need to engage with social media. The days when businesses could ignore social media are long gone. Here are just some of the benefits of social media sites like Facebook and Twitter for small business owners;

1 – Reduced Marketing Costs

Setting up a Facebook page or establishing a Twitter feed is completely free. Social media allows you to build your brand, expand your network and reach new customers, all without spending a single penny. Even the paid advertising options on social media platforms are far more cost effective than traditional channels.

2 – Improved Search Results

When people need to purchase a product or find a service, they often turn to the Internet first. Those potential customers enter search terms related to what they are looking for, and they tend to focus on the first page of results. If your business does not appear in that prime online real estate, you might as well be invisible. Establishing a social media presence can improve your organic search results and make it easier for customers to find you.

3 – Improved Responsiveness

Social media is the perfect tool for expanding your customer service and responding to inquiries. Customers have been conditioned to expect instant answers to their inquiries, and old-fashioned sources like the telephone and email are simply not enough. Business owners can instantly respond to customer inquiries and provide great customer service – all via social media.

4 – Better Branding

Your social media presence is an integral piece of your overall branding strategy. You can use your Facebook page, Twitter feed and other social media tools to build your brand and establish a single identity across your offline and online businesses. Branding is an essential part of marketing in the Internet age, and social media is one of the best tools available.

5 – Improved Consumer Confidence

Customers are understandably reluctant to deal with companies they are not familiar with. Establishing a social media presence and engaging with customers is a great way to earn their trust and build their confidence. Business owners can use Facebook, Twitter and other social media platforms to establish their expertise and gain the confidence of local consumers.

6 – Better Business-to-Business Communication

Establishing a place in the local business community is a great way to boost sales and gain new customers. Social media is a wonderful platform for business-to-business marketing and expanding your network.

7 – A Real Competitive Advantage

Even if you are not on social media, your competitors probably are. Establishing an early presence on social media can give your business a real competitive advantage and give you a head start on other business owners.

Which of these social media benefits is having the biggest impact on your business? Can you add to the list? Please leave a comment below.