We’re all guilty of spending too much time on social media, scrolling mindlessly through Facebook, Instagram, and, more recently, TikTok. However, suppose you’re a small business owner. In that case, you can use this to your advantage, increasing organic traffic to your website, physical customers, and sales to your shop, and building your reputation in your local community.
Social media platforms, such as those mentioned above, are perfect platforms for sharing your content and engaging with your audience. If you’re not already aboard the hype that is social media, perhaps it’s time to buy a ticket and hop on for the ride.
This short article will highlight two key benefits of regularly using social media, beginning one of the more obvious: increased exposure.
Social media for increased exposure
Not only can you share your most recent blog posts on platforms such as Facebook, but you can also increase social exposure and traffic to your website at little to no cost. (Unless you choose paid advertising; more on this in another article)
You can add business details on your Facebook page such as your physical address, website URL, contact number, and email address. This provides consumers with the required tools to find your shop or service, and if not, they can contact you.
Employing platforms such as Facebook, in turn, will increase footfall to your business. Try to post to platforms such as Facebook and Instagram regularly (at least three times a week) to keep your audience engaged, even if this is re-posting old blog posts, images, or asking how others are.
Developing yourself as an expert in your industry
Posting on social media, especially if also sharing regular blog posts and updates, allows you to establish yourself as an expert in your industry. This enables you to build respect and authority in your community, becoming a go-to for all things in your niche.
The more people who trust you and know of your business (including those in your community), the more likely people are to purchase your product or service.
Consider sharing small blog updates on your social media pages for increased engagement, unique and individual from your blog or website.
To conclude
There are various other benefits of using social media as a small business owner. However, it all boils down to one key conclusion: increased footfall and business to your store, whether that be a coffee shop, clothing store, or local bakery.
