More than half of small businesses in the U.S. reported engaging on social media at least weekly, and projected revenue growth as a result. The same report showed that 74% of small businesses are active on social media weekly, maintaining consistency with their posts. After all, consistency is key and posting too little can decrease audience engagement.
Almost all small businesses market on Facebook, which turned out to be the most popular social media platform among small businesses. Part of this is due to the fact that Facebook continues to have the highest volume of active users.
Why are so many businesses on social media? Business owners are using social media to increase traffic, generate leads, and build strong relationships with their audience. The number of businesses taking advantage of all that social media has to offer continues to rise.
Here are the many ways you can expect to see ROI from social media in 2022.
Increase Brand Awareness
Did you know when a consumer first hears about a brand they’re most likely to go straight to social media to see if they’re interested in learning more? A whopping 81% of consumers research a business on the internet before buying from them.
And what about those consumers who don’t know who you are? You have to meet them where they’re at—and they’re on social media. It is reported that 55% of consumers learn about new brands on social media.
A social media strategy can put your brand in front of the right audience at the right time with the right messaging. Over time, this allows for brand recognition, which causes an engaged community to form.
In fact, 90% of marketers claimed that social media generated immense exposure for their company.
Build an Engaged Community
Once you’ve built brand recognition, how do you get your audience to stick around long enough to convert? You need consistent quality content that engages your audience. Before your audience buys from you, they have to know you, like you, and trust you. This comes as a result of targeted, strategic, and valuable content. We always ask ourselves before posting, is this educational, entertaining, and inspiring? If so, we know it will serve our audience. If not, well, we don’t post it!
Once your audience knows you, they’ll start to like you. Once they start to like you, they will trust you. And once there’s trust, you better believe there’s a sale coming. But the only way for this to happen is through branded, consistent, quality content.
Boost Site Traffic & Sales
Effective social media always has a call-to-action. Even when you’re providing valuable resources and information for “free” on social media, you can still offer a link to learn more or take the next step. Your social media posts are where you can direct consumers to your website.
Think of your social media page like window shopping. Social media is the window display, and your website is the inside of the store. You can’t get people inside without a great window display, and that’s where your content comes in.
You can make your content irresistible by fully understanding your audience and having a solid social media strategy in place.
Social Media Marketing is Cost Effective
Organic, and even paid social media, is significantly more cost effective than “traditional” marketing methods. When you pay for social media management, you’re also getting a lot more than just content. You’re building a direct line of communication with your consumers through direct messaging. This interpersonal dialogue sets social media apart from any other type of marketing.
Gather Invaluable Data
One of the best parts of investing in social media is that you gather customer data. Social media analytics provide data that your business can leverage when making decisions in the future. Social media provides insights on age, gender, location, and what content resonates best with them.
Are you ready to invest in social media in 2022? If you want to see your business grow and exceed your goals for the new year, being on social media is a must! Start increasing your brand awareness, grow your community, boost site traffic, increase revenue, and gather data that will help you grow even more!
