Why Is Social Networking So Important To Your Local Business?

If you are a local business and you are still pondering if you need to jump on the bandwagon to social networking sites, you need to read this article. The advantages of social networking are so relevant to big and small players alike, so ignoring the benefits is unwise. Most entrepreneurs are taking advantage of social marketing sites such as Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter.

These businessmen and women are also beginning to ride the power of mobile marketing. If you are still on the fence, then let this information explain why.
Social media is so important right now, especially to the business owners. In fact, the 2011 Social Media Marketing Industry Report revealed some interesting facts. In the report, it was revealed that 67% of small business owners and self-employed individuals strongly agree that the influence of social media to their businesses is so paramount to their growth. Without a doubt, it is the most effective way to reach and service clients.

Social media platforms that are used in local businesses include Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and blogs.

Mobile marketing is also gaining momentum as one of the breakthrough approaches to reaching customers. With 1 in 2 Americans owning a Smartphone, and a third of all adults in the UK using one, ignore this potential at your peril.

But what are the best advantages of social networking sites?

Low Investment Required

Yes, social networking sites offer the opportunity to provide exposure to your local business without breaking the bank. It is because social media is inexpensive that it allows you to challenge big competitors.

You have the option to use the platforms for free. Alternatively, you also have the option to make use of their paid advertising channels such as Facebook paid advertising for faster, laser targeted results. Nevertheless, most of these paid channels are still cheaper than the traditional TV or print ads. When you find the cost of starting a traditional advertising campaign prohibitive due to the small budget of your business, you need to give social media a try.

“Social Networking Sites - The Only Way to Challenge the Big Boys”

Here is the catch. Yes, you can use these social networking sites for free. However, when you want to challenge your competition, it is best to take your marketing to the next level. When you opt to use social networking sites to promote your business locally, hiring a social media expert is simply one of the smartest moves you can make. For the fraction of the cost you would pay to launch a take out a classified ad, advertise in yellow pages, or to post a billboard etc, social networking experts can reach more clients for every pound or dollar spent.

Global Reach

Indeed, the playing field is already even for everyone. With the advent of social networking sites, local businesses can now compete in reaching more prospective clients from all over the world without the high cost barrier.

“Everyone is basically on Facebook or Twitter!“

With 850 million people on Facebook alone, all within your reach, how can you ignore the power of social media marketing?

But where will you start? This is where a social networking expert can help you.

Conclusion

The influence of social networking today is simply the tip of the iceberg. Aside from the fantastic combination of low investment requirement and global reach, there are still so many more benefits to social media. I have a special affinity to Facebook, Pinterest, and mobile marketing. The potential with these sites are so overwhelming that I strongly advocate every business owner to start exploring these mind-blowing tools.

With the help of strategic marketing plans and appropriate software tools, this is definitely the key to taking your business to a new level.

With the opportunity to outsource these tasks to experts for the fraction of the cost of traditional advertising with none of hassle, what are you waiting for?

Contact me now on Skype for an informal chat, my I.D is deonbryan_otg