Don’t forget the ‘SOCIAL’ in Social Media

If content is king, then conversion is queen”.
~John Munsell, CEO of Bizzuka

It is rare to come across a business of any size that lacks a website today because it’s a requirement for doing business and making your business available to others. The same has become true of social media.  Using Facebook, Twitter and other social networking tools to reach customers and engage with the audience are now all in a day’s work. Social Media is not going away, but will continue to expand and shift. People are in search of better information with which to make better decisions, creating social collaboration. This behavior is the underlying foundation of social media and social media marketing.

“Social is now a fabric of everyday technology and digital engagement. It’s is only gaining in momentum and permeance. Those businesses that miss this opportunity will find a slipping point that may eventually give way to Digital Darwinism, the evolution of consumer behavior when society and technology evolve faster than you.” ~Brian Solis

As more businesses jump on board with social media, they are beginning to focus on goals such as increasing brand loyalty and sales. One of social media‘s strengths is the potential to communicate with a mass audience instantly. Social media, if done properly, is the closest thing to a one-on-one conversation between a business and its consumers. An effective social media strategy involves knowing how to reach people where they live,work, and play, instead of expecting them to come to you. Although social media should be part of a broader marketing and business strategy based on your company’s goals and objectives, it is important to remember to keep the “SOCIAL” in social media.

All too often businesses are so focused on being heard and getting their message out, they forget to focus on content that draws their audience in and gives them a reason to engage in conversation. You may provide great products and services, but if that is all you talk about, your audience will tune you out. They do not want to be sold, they want to be educated and entertained, and they want to connect. Don’t be afraid to step outside the box and really get to know your audience.