Partner Article

Social is as social does

Since 1995, when the internet became a self-supporting industry, businesses have been gradually taking tentative steps to launching their firms online.

Whizz forward to present day and it is in fact those without an internet presence who are viewed suspiciously.

However, it’s not just websites which are being used to maintain a presence in front of potential customers – social media is increasingly seen as an important way to connect with your clients and those within your industry.

The likes of Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube, Google+ and others not only allow you to engage with others and demonstrate your knowledge within a particular field, but also, correctly used, social media outlets help you connect with potential new clients and can reinforce current client relationships.

While it is rare that someone will start using your services off the back of a tweet, regular social activity does help raise your profile, raise awareness of what you do and drive traffic to your website – therefore you must be in it for the long haul. Social media is not a ‘quick-win’, but a long-term investment which takes time to build a contingency of followers keen to listen to and share your content and, equally, ensure that you listen to their views too.

With so many ways to talk, type or video your thoughts, sometimes it can be all too easy to publish quickly without considering the full implications – both in terms of business compliance as well as readership backlash. Hopefully however, taking heed of the same warnings that you bear in mind when presenting to any audience, social media is not to be feared. What used to be achieved solely by joining clubs, advertising or direct mail is now at your fingertips for a fraction of the price.

Social media is here to stay. Those who have failed to embrace the World Wide Web have quickly fallen by the wayside and the same could yet prove to be true for those who fear other social developments. The new year should hale the time to take advantage of the opportunities available, ensuring your business strategy is not only current with your audience’s needs, but front of their minds too.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Panacea Adviser .