You just have to be on social media!
This is the widespread message for small business right through to corporate, to build awareness, engagement and a company brand with customers and stakeholders.
BUT it's important as a business or company to remember that Facebook and Instagram are NOT your friends, and that THEIR business is just that; a business aimed at increasing their growth, not yours.
In 2018, Facebook is: 'prioritizing meaningful social interactions over passive consumption of content'; 'rolling out a major ads transparency effort'; and supporting the growth of video by 'building video experiences that help people connect with friends, families and groups'.
PR Space has a couple of bits of advice which we think will support you to keep up with Facebook's changes and social media generally.
1) As a business or corporate, social media offers you the opportunity for your customers to 'see' and 'feel' and 'connect' with your 'brand' and the people behind it. But before you jump on to set up a page, or before you post, please stop and ask these key questions (if you haven't already!):
What are your goals and objectives?
Who exactly are you trying to reach?
What is the best way to reach them?
Are products and sales your focus, or is your customer base relationships or experience-driven?
Whatever the case may be, make sure you tailor your social media posts and pages to appeal to your target audience; showcase who you are; and demonstrate visually why people should support your business.
As Facebook works to meet the needs of its customers, businesses will need to spend advertising dollars to engage and reach their customers; so prioritise great photography and engaging video content, but be aware that you will need to spend money to reach them regularly.
Which brings me to my second point.
2) Don't forget regular communication and relationships are key. While many of us stare at screens 75 per cent of the day, we still need to ensure that we’re keeping in touch with the people who matter to us in various ways, and be strategic about it.
Have you got current or past clients you should meet up with to stay connected and provide them with your latest prospectus, portfolio or business information?
Have you sent local media information about your latest business win?
Have you sent an e-newsletter to your loyal customers letting them know what you have on offer?
Have you got a professional, appealing website with up-to-date and informative content so that when people click on that Facebook or Instagram post link, they can read, be informed and admire a great landing page to promote your business?
Yes, social media is a HUGE part of many corporate and business marketing plans, and yes, you really should be on social media. However, don’t forget that communication goes further than social media, and that a good communications strategy incorporates various methods to reach your key stakeholders and customers.
Can PR Space help you reach your stakeholders? Contact me today – nicole@prspace.com.au.