4 Ways Startup Owners Can Use Social Media to their Advantage

Social media can help startup owners to expand their business fast when utilised effectively. Millions of people check their social media accounts every month. More than 1.5 billion people in the world log into Facebook every month while Twitter and Instagram boast of over 300 and 400 million users respectively. The statistics represent potential customers that business owners should consider reaching with their products and services. Some of the ways that startup owners can utilise social media platforms to their advantage are discussed below.

1. Increasing Brand Awareness

Business owners can reach new customers with their brands on social media. The current digital environment requires businesses to combine traditional marketing strategies with online marketing to build brand awareness. Social media platforms allow users to set up paid campaigns to increase their brand awareness. Such campaigns reach all social media users include those who do not follow the brand on the platforms.

Some entrepreneurs have successfully utilised social media to reach new clients with their brands. For instance, the popular consultant, Sam Ovens makes more than 2 million dollars from his consulting business. He explained his success in an interview and stated that he started training consultants on Skype to expand his business. The entrepreneur decided to turn the training into an online course when he realised that his trainees were achieving exceptional results in their businesses.

Using all platforms at your disposition to spread your brand is one of the best ways to generate interest fast with minimal effort. However, you have to remember that you need to provide something of actual value to your users. Focus on helping rather than selling. This way, you’ll be able to build a lasting connection with your customer base.

2. Increasing Sales

The second step after building brand awareness is to convert all leads to sales. Potential customers develop an interest to try a new brand depending on the marketing messages. If the marketing messages and interactions on social media are effective, a business owner can convert followers into repeat customers. Hence, startup owners must train their social media manager on how to convert leads into sales.

3. Direct Interactions with Customers

Many customers turn to social media to ask questions about a company’s service or products instead of calling or sending an email. New customers will need more information about a brand before buying. Business owners can collect useful information directly from their customers to improve their products. Sam Ovens in another interview emphasised the importance of social proof to a company’s success. Business owners can get referrals from existing customers once they attain social proof.

4. Improving Customer Service

The interactions between customers and the customer support staff largely influence the customers’ purchasing decisions. Customers turn to social media platforms with the expectation that the brands will respond faster than when using traditional communication channels. Startup owners have an opportunity to enhance their customer service and regain the confidence of customers on social media.

Business owners must train their social media managers to respond to all queries within the shortest time possible and keep customers engaged. The best approach is to respond to all queries in less than an hour. The customer support staff must show empathy and remain professional even when customers post negative comments on social media.

Business owners cannot overlook the potential of social media platforms to transform their businesses in the current digital world. Effective marketing on social media will help businesses reach millions of potential customers with their brands and boost their sales. Business owners have an opportunity to interact directly with their customers daily and improve their customer service.

Source: smallbusinesscan.com