Social media marketing can be a difficult concept for new business owners to grasp, especially if they have been brought up with a more traditional sales background. Though there are some definite similarities between traditional marketing and social marketing, it is the differences that can make the biggest impact. With that in mind, here are 3 simple steps that will help you to build a basic, but effective social media strategy. (more…)
Online experts are constantly raving about how important it is that every business gets involved in social media marketing. Unfortunately, many business owners do not take the time they need to get started simply because they do not understand what advantages are truly offered. Rather than allow your business to miss out on the opportunity, it helps to get a better picture of exactly what benefits social media offers. (more…)
Though there seems to be an overwhelming abundance of articles out there on why business owners need to be on social network X, or why social network Y provides the most engagement and social network Z is really just a waste of time, it seems that so few social media experts talk about the power behind LinkedIn. On one hand, employees seem encouraged to get themselves up on this network, but the real concern for you as a business owner is how effective is LinkedIn for business? To answer this, you must really understand the strengths of LinkedIn. (more…)
The holiday season is the busiest time of the year, but for some businesses it can seem like a mixed blessing. Retail establishments are selling more goods, but they also must deal with the side effects of increased foot traffic. Other businesses, depending on what they sell, may actually bring in less revenue over the holidays, as people are saving up to decorate and buy gifts. If you play your cards right, though, proper social media marketing can actually help to ensure that your business stands out this holiday season. (more…)
There has been some debate lately about just how effective Twitter is as a business marketing tool. Though Twitter may be free to use, many companies pay a social media management company to monitor their account and they do not want to pay for something that does not get them results. Keeping this in mind, here are some suggestions on how to get the most out of your Twitter followers. (more…)
Social media marketing has become recognized as a normal part of every modern marketing campaign. For many businesses, this can present a unique challenge, as the traditional approach to marketing does not work in the online environment. Though Facebook has been universally accepted as useful to businesses, many entrepreneurs underestimate the influence Instagram can have on the everyday marketing efforts of their business. [Read more…]
Social media has taken a significant role in the marketing and operation of businesses in the digital age. This influence has been so profound that it has produced an entirely new type of marketing job in the form of a social media marketing specialist. Before hiring anyone to manage the social media for your company, it is important to have a basic understanding of the impact each social media community can have on your marketing efforts. In terms of Facebook for business, the key is to engage customers so that you remain at “top of mind” when the time comes to use your service.
Facebook is more about Branding and Customer Retention, Not Acquisition
It is important to understand when establishing a Facebook presence what your goals are. As any experienced social media marketing specialist can explain, each outlet has different uses in the marketing world, and Facebook is no exception. Many times, people think that if they set up a Facebook account for their company they will magically start getting likes, and their brand will simply explode due to all of the extra exposure. This is unrealistic.
Though Facebook will occasionally lead a customer to your company, and can be quite effective in that regard for certain industries, the simple fact is that the platform is not intended for businesses. However, Facebook can work as a great tool to keep your business on your customers’ radar. By regularly posting updates, your product or service can stay fresh in peoples’ minds.
Your Only Expense is Time
Though there is the option to purchase Facebook ads, which can be very effective, the cornerstone of a successful Facebook marketing strategy does not require any paid advertising. The real keys to success are simple: keep a consistent voice and remain true to your brand, regularly make posts, and engage with customers. If your business is small, you may even be able to devote enough time each day to do this yourself. If you can afford it, you can hire a company to monitor your account and keep your content fresh.
Ultimately, the key to success on Facebook is the same as any other marketing program. You need your message to stay in front of customers, and let them know that your value. By establishing this connection, you can help ensure that your business comes to mind when they need your service.
Does it feel like you’re always hiring another communications person? Depending on the size of your company, you either have one person wearing multiple communications hats (writing press releases, handling social media and SEO, performing public relations work, writing blogs, managing your brand, creating videos… you get the idea) or one or more communications persons per category. Regardless, turnover is a pain (and sometimes crippling). This is why Brandsplat exists — to take on these worries for you and ensure you get consistent, spot-on communications without the headaches of turnover. Our stable of writers and communications consultants stand at the ready to assist you.
Case in point: Last week, we were able to help a client save gobs of money when he needed to replace two employees. Rather than hire another two employees with all the costs of benefits like medical/dental and paid time off, he came to us and was able to hire three of our freelance communications experts part-time AND get more years of experience and service out of the deal.
And don’t forget that turnover costs are largely hidden costs: Lowered productivity, overworked remaining staff, lost knowledge, training costs, interviewing costs, the HR staff that has to recruit your next hire, etc. An article in Inc. Magazine says these costs can run as high as 150 percent of the employee’s annual salary — “significant enough to make retention a high priority for your business.”
We have nothing against companies hiring workers on their payroll. But if you’re tired of hiring someone who’s not exactly what you need and watching them stay only long enough to start really performing before getting hired away, it’s time to consider hiring through Brandsplat. We’re experts at finding, training and retaining great people so that you don’t have to. When you’re ready to outsource your headaches, contact us.