Why use Social Media Marketing?

why-use-social-mediaImagine a continual global networking event with hundreds of millions of attendees. This is, in a nutshell, what the world of social media is.

As such, there exists tremendous opportunity to tap into your target market and build connections and nurture relationships with potential customers.

That being said, this world of social media marketing can be a tricky one.

You’ve heard the horror stories of too much personal information being shared and extraordinary time invested with nothing to show for it.

With a little understanding of social media etiquette and some patience, you can significantly increase your exposure to your target market and build a community of qualified leads, prospects, fans and influencers.

The return on investment is certainly worthwhile.

Here are 5 very good reasons you’ll want to use social media marketing.

1. It gets you in front of your target market

The first is that it’s very likely your target market spends hours on social media marketing websites. They’re present and engaged on these sites, and having a presence gives you the opportunity to engage with them.

2. It’s free

Unlike a lot of advertising, you don’t have to spend any money to use the tools.

3. It builds your network

You can build a network of contacts online, beyond the restrictions of the physical.

Whether that’s your geographic location, time zone or the fearsome gatekeeper to your prospect’s direct line, you have the opportunity to connect with people that you otherwise would not be able to.

4. It keeps you in contact

All those business cards you collect in your day to day life can be put to use. Maintain these connections in a manner that’s appropriately light given that you’ve just met, but allows you to stay top of mind as well.

5. It’s like word of mouth referrals-on steroids

Each time you can have someone in your target market engage with your business online, that action spreads out to their network – giving you free publicity and an unofficial endorsement of your business. You get instant, free exposure to hundreds if not thousands.

Beyond the theoretical reasons why, here are 7 statistics to show it works:

Here are 7 statistics that show social media marketing actually works for turning a profit.

1. 85% of Internet users have Facebook accounts; 49% are on Twitter. (HubSpot)

2. B2B businesses experience a 61% success rate in customer acquisition using LinkedIn.(HubSpot)

3. 43% of all online consumers are social media fans or followers. (Harp Social)

4. 80% of people prefer to get coupons, promos, and discounts from brands in social media.(HubSpot)

5. 67% of Twitter users are more likely to buy brands that they follow. (iModerate Research Technologies)

6. 34% of marketers have generated leads using Twitter, and 20% have closed deals.(Mindjumpers)

7. 20% of Facebook users have purchased something because of ads or comments they saw there. (Ipsos)

Essentially social media websites provide us with a platform to connect with more people than ever before. In connecting with others, we have the opportunity to build relationships and get others to know like and trust us.

“All things being equal, people will do business with — and refer business to — those people they know, like and trust.” – Bob Burg.

 

Learn more about Social Media.

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Laurel LindsayLaurel Lindsay is a Calgary Internet Marking Consultant & President of The New Media Group Inc. She has over 8 years hands-on Internet Marketing experience.

Laurel is enthusiastic and passionate about helping people live better lives by leveraging the power of the internet.

Laurel Lindsay

Laurel Lindsay

President & Founder at The New Media Group
Laurel Stark née Lindsay has helped thousands of businesses get better results from their online marketing since she began her career as a web marketer in 2003. As a speaker, author and CEO of The New Media Group, she’s been featured on CNN, Entrepreneur.com, CTV and ShawTV.
Laurel Lindsay
Laurel Lindsay
Laurel Lindsay