When you consider working with a new small business, do you find yourself checking out their social channels to see what they’re about? For example, suppose you want to get a tattoo. You might consider heading to their Instagram account to look at their work.
Social media can be quite time-consuming for many people, but it can be a godsend for small business owners.
Small businesses must have a social media channel in today’s digital-driven world. Before social, many business owners had to hire on a marketing agency to complete audience outreach for them. Now, they can save money and do it themselves. Let’s look at how social media is transforming small businesses.
Free Advertising
Social media is an easy—and free—way to advertise your products or services to the public. With social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram offering free and paid advertising tools, you can tailor your marketing efforts to fit your budget.
If you’re a new small business owner, you might start by sharing your company within your circle of family and friends to get a head start. And guess what? It’s free!
What’s more, many digital platforms allow you to track outreach data to ensure growth within your business and customer base—although these services might charge a small fee.
Direct Engagement
With social media providing consumers direct access to your business, you can engage with them and build your brand quickly. If you respond to inquires quickly, your business looks great, and you will slowly grow a positive reputation.
Moreover, doing something as simple as commenting on a customer’s photo of your product can make a huge difference and help your customers feel more connected to you.
Social Commerce
Social commerce is essentially buying and selling products via social media directly. For example, suppose you choose to promote your thrifting business on social media. In that case, you might consider selling your clothes within your page to make it easier for consumers to purchase them.
A great way to encourage customers to purchase your products is by making the process convenient. Social commerce makes it possible for them to acquire items with the click of a button.
Being a business owner can teach you many skills and lessons that are critical in the growth of your business, so it’s essential to understand how social media is transforming small businesses. To grow adequately, use the resources available to you!