Today, as a small business, it is virtually impossible to have a thriving business without a strong social presence. Social media has transformed from something that a few companies had to a marketing tool that all businesses must use. It has the power to create brand awareness, attract new clients, promote engagement with current and former customers, drive sales, and so much more.
Small business owners need to know that social media marketing isn’t just for Fortune 500 firms and national retail chains. Local businesses and smaller companies benefit from having and executing a strategically crafted social media strategy. However, many don’t because they think that they can’t. They think that they don’t have the resources, time, money, or skills needed for successful social marketing. Some post on their social channels sporadically, while others don’t post at all. I have witnessed it all and seen the companies that do engage grow, while the ones that dismiss it stay stagnant.
I created my Social Media Best Practices for Small Businesses webinar with these concerns in mind. I understand that if you’re a small business owner or employee that you may not have a million dollar marketing budget and can’t necessarily hire a social media agency.
As a global social media consultant and digital marketing professional, it is my goal to reveal the truths about social media. Check out this quick video I made just for you on The 5 Truths of Hiring a Social Media Person. In my webinar I will cover and expand upon these truths with targeted examples and tips you can use to create and grow your small business social media presence.
To get you started visualizing what this as means check out some pointed small business social media successes. Here are 3 Facebook small business social media success examples:
1) On posting regularly
Back in 2008, Ryan Smolkin opened a chain of poutine restaurants in Canada using Facebook as his only marketing tactic. Through consistent posting and inviting friends to like his page he has been able to drive sales and gain new customers. His page currently has over 41,000 likes, 39,962 followers, and nearly 1,500 reviews.
2) On social customer care
An old small business client of mine , VFitness Boxing, saw a rise in likes and comments on their Facebook business page, which led to an increase of sales of Outdoor Boxing Bootcamp Classes in Central Park year over year by having a social customer care program that went beyond the call of duty. Not only did they respond to messages within 8-12 minutes and act as a resource for any questions about how to get started in boxing, but they also were highly proactive in providing daily incentives for FB fans who engaged with their content. The gave away free classes, private sessions and boxing gloves to Facebook fans who were the most engaged with their page.
3) On finding new customers via social
Bombas, a charitable sock startup, was able to significantly boost their sales by advertising on Facebook. They ran a video ad during Fall 2016, which according to Facebook, achieved “30% increase in return on ad spend [and] 50% increase in click-through rate.” Their video helped them advertise to their followers and qualified prospects, which resulted in lots of sales.
Many of the most effective social media tools are inexpensive, if not free! You’ll be pleasantly surprised to learn that establishing and following a social marketing strategy is easier than you think. Simple things like posting consistently, tailoring your content by channel, and creating ads can go a long way. Creating unique and engaging content is easy once you know what to post, when and where. All you need is a solid understanding of the fundamentals, and you’ll be able to do it on your own – no agency, huge budget, or social media staff needed.
In just one hour, by joining me in the webinar Social Media Best Practices for Small Businesses on June 22 at 10am PDT, you will learn the best tips for using social media to grow your business:
By the end of the webinar, you’ll know everything you need to revamp your social plan of attack and/or create a winning strategy from scratch. Just think: one hour of your day has the potential to change your business forever.
Click here to join me on Thursday June 22nd at 10 am PDT.
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Jasmine Sandler is an Internet Marketing industry Speaker in Digital Marketing Strategy. She trains and consults for B2B companies globally on Digital Marketing Strategy, specifically around B2B Social Branding, SEO and Social Selling. She is the Founder and CEO of Agent-cy Online Marketing, a Digital Marketing Consulting and Training Agency based in NYC, with clients around the world.
Jasmine has been named as a Top 40 Global Digital Marketing Strategist in the industry, Top SEO consultant on Twitter, and Top 17 Digital Influencers in Content Marketing. Jasmine has over 15 years’ client Digital Marketing experience in helping corporations such as Citibank, Intercall, Doublerock, ISO and countless others use the web to drive online visibility and generate leads that have resulted in new business online.
Miss Sandler is the author of several Digital Marketing books, including “Branding & Sales: The LinkedIn Way” and “How to Brand Yourself Online Like a CEO” as well as the creator of a library of Online courses on Social Media Marketing. Jasmine is a contributing writer on B2B Digital Marketing Strategies for ClickZ.com, Searchenginewatch.com, Branded.me, Openforbusiness.com, CEO.com, Mengonline.com, and Fast Company. She is a national speaker for CEO Club International, Vistage International. Women’s Leadership Exchange, YPO, The Marketing Executive Networking Group, NYXPO, ConnectCon, The Luxury Marketing Council and countless other marketing organizations. Her speaking topics, videos, client testimonials, and blog can be found at www.jasminesandler.com.
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