You don’t have to like it. You can choose to ignore it. You can say it’s too much trouble. BUT that doesn’t change the truth: SOCIAL MEDIA ISN’T GOING ANYWHERE.
If you’ve been waiting for it to phase out like fads from decades past, [i.e. the early 2000’s light-up belt buckles and abundant body glitter ?] don’t hold your breath.
It’s a safe bet to say social media will continue to evolve, taking on new forms outside of the ones we know it as today . In the next 10 years, Facebook may not be “the Facebook” we scroll through now. It could be a totally new experience in 2029 or replaced with something else entirely.
A world without Facebook and hourly status updates?! Dun, dun-dun, dun!
What we’re getting at is, if you haven’t gotten on-board the social media train, you may want to consider getting a ticket.
And to help you board that train with ease (or at least a little more assurance), check out our 3 Reasons Why Social Media is So Worth It.
1. It’s cheap!
*Adjusts mic*… “IT’S CHEAP!”
Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Youtube, Snapchat, LinkedIn, Tumblr, and so. many. more, are all FREE to sign up for and use (right now).
You can sign up for a Facebook account, create your first post and invite friends to follow your page at no charge in less than 10 minutes (sooner if you’re internet savvy).
Social media is fantastic for keeping up with friends and family that you don’t see often or often enough, but it’s also been a game-changer for businesses too.
According to Hootsuite, “90% of brands use social media to increase brand awareness.”
It also costs less than traditional marketing such as print ads and has the potential to reach thousands of more people if the right strategy is in place behind it.
PLUS, if you’re a startup company or just haven’t embraced the use of digital media/marketing in your business, there are also FREE levels of social media management platforms (we use Hootsuite and Buffer at SHS) to get you started on your social media journey.
Most free plans will allow you to connect 3 social accounts with the platforms minimum features but if you’re new to the social media game or have limited resources, this is perfect for you.
Take two minutes (after you finish this post of course ? ) and Google some social media management tools for yourself.
If you’re a one-man shop or are without an exclusive, knowledgeable person to handle your social media, we recommend starting with one social media account, connected to one social media management platform.
Think about the tortoise and the hare story here. Start slow, figure out which social media account works best for you, create content and post regularly.
You will totally stress yourself out trying to post to every channel created without having any knowledge or data as to why.
In this case slow and steady will eventually win the race.
2. It’s globally recognized
3.48 billion people now use social media. That’s an increase of 9% from last year. That means almost half the WORLD is using social media now!
Mind blowing right?
As a business owner , it only makes sense to get in on the gravy train here.
Numbers don’t lie.
Something is working and working well in the social media world.
In 2019, businesses know that their customers expect them to have an active online presence to interact with them, even if the business is brick and mortar.
Plus, with additions like automation in your social strategy, the social media aspect of your business can keep working for you even after business hours, therefore helping to keep your business or brand relevant and connected to its consumers at all times.
3. It’s customizable
Your social media presence should be a reflection of your business.
Your customers should be receiving the same message they would in person, online. This messaging should align with your company goals and mission. It should tell and promote your story, your way.
From brand colors, graphics, GIFs, WordPress themes, plugins, etc and the many innovations and platforms specifically for social media, customization is almost limitless.
A word of caution though, social media isn’t all about looking pretty online.
Elaborate brand packages and professional head-shots are great to have (and should be had) but there should also be an end-goal with your social media strategy–sales, brand awareness, traffic or other.
Pick one.
Remember, in marketing you need to have a purpose behind the pretty.
This list of pros for using social media in your business extend far pass the 3 given in this article (feel free to post your own pros in the comments section) but the point is still the same no matter how many additions you can tack on–it works!
If you’re still freaked out or anxious about using social media for the first time, click here.
You Think…We’ll Do…You Breathe,
-SHS