Each technological advancement has sent marketers scurrying to find the best ways to capitalize on it. The print ad lost some ground to the radio ad, the radio ad to the TV ad, the TV ad to the social media ad. That’s right. Social media can be a powerful tool in advertising your company’s goods and services to the world, no matter which business you are in.

Social media has also opened up channels that were previously sacred ground for the giant corporations. Social media for small business is a good use of your advertising budget when you examine its long-reaching impact.

The Speed of Social Media

According to an article on Desk.com called “Benefits of Social Media for Small Business Marketing,” the increased awareness of the Internet consumer has sparked sales. Large or small, companies are taking note. Just five years ago, Coca Cola only spent 3% on social media advertising. This past year they spent over 20%, without any decrease in sight.

Five years ago people were just getting their feet wet with the social connectivity of the Internet. At some point, however, someone realized that these connections were ripe ground for advertising. They were right. Now, it’s small businesses as well that are profiting from social media ads.

Social Media Advertising Strategy

So then, what are the most essential considerations that a small business should make when venturing into this technological territory?

First, as a small business owner, you already know the feel and strategy that comes with more traditional ad campaigns. The online venue requires those same tactics but on a different stage. In the past, you knew what radio or TV channels, magazines, and events to use to relay your message. You knew where your customers frequented, and you made your message available there.

You still need to meet your clients where they are in the virtual world, too. If your company’s targeted demographic spends most of their time on Facebook, then you need a creative Facebook page that invites them to stay current and communicate on that platform. If they prefer Twitter, then encourage them to tweet about things related to your goods and services.

Prove It

Take Heacock Classic for example. Heacock Classic is a small insurer for car collector aficionados. They developed a Facebook page that now garners 37,000+ fans. How do they do this? As Desk.com describes it, Heacock’s Facebook page is “fun and encourages fans to upload photos of their cars, while at the same time running specific targeted Facebook ads seeking new prospects who own collector cars.”

Starting from Scratch

It’s important to remember that the success of Heacock Classic was not built overnight. It took a lot of strategy and time. It all starts with letting your current customers know that your company now has a Facebook page.

You may also consider a Facebook ad that includes a relevant image, headline about a new product or sale, and call to action so your audience knows what to do. If you make people aware, the word will spread, landing you fans (customers!) of your own. Once you have them, don’t lose them. Keep yourself in their vision.

Think Before You Act

Also, be purposeful in the strategies that you use. If you create a Facebook page without any fanfare, nothing is likely to happen. Advertising on Facebook while all of your clients are on LinkedIn is also not going to garner the results you want. If you strategize before you act, act, reflect, re-strategize, and act again, then you will experience far more success.

Partner with Us

Social media can offer your business more connectivity to your present and potential consumers than you have ever imagined. Conquering the web, however, can be a daunting task. We at Snap Agency possess the expertise necessary to effectively use social media as an advertising tool. You possess the expertise of your product or service and your clientele. Please contact us today so we can work together to open the power of social media to your small business.