8 Ways to Grow Your Small Business on Social Media

Today, most people will think that you are not serious if you say you don't know the importance of social media for your small business. Social media has become the crucial part of every small business since a couple of years ago. It works because it delivers measurable results in sales, leads, as well as branding.

It is one tool that lets you meet a large number of audiences in one place at a low cost. There are about 2.8 billion global social media users in 2017 and this equals about 3.7% penetration. According to a study, online adults are aged between 18 and 34 are most likely to follow a brand via social media. Another study also showed that 71% of consumers who experience good service from a brand on social media are most likely to recommend it to others. Nowadays, there are about 2.56 billion global smartphone social media users; this number amounts to 34% penetration. These mobile users spend on average 69% of their time on social media.

With these statistics, there is no doubt that social media can help your small business reach the height you set for it. However, this is not usually easy but it can be done. In this article, you will learn of proven ways you can use social media to grow your small business.

1. You Need to Create A Professional Social Media Profile/Page

When it comes to creating a profile for your business on social media, you have to ensure you stand out. Social media users will not take you seriously if you create a crappy account.

There are social media managers that can help you create a stunning graphics and videos you can use for your social media page. Make sure you adequately represent your brand when creating your profile. Remember, your social media profile represents your brand, make sure you give social media users a good impression the first time they visit.

2. Be on All Top Social Media Platforms

Don't limit yourself. You certainly don't know where your buyers can be. I use to think that most of my buyers are on Facebook until I created an account on LinkedIn and got my biggest customer from that platform.

Facebook is not the only social media platform; create a professional account on other social media platforms such as Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter. Make sure you post consistently on these platforms too. By engaging your audience on these platforms, you show them that you care about them. This will help you improve your visibility and brand reach. If you are worried about the work involved in posting across all the platforms, there are software and tools that can help you replicate your post on all platforms.

 

3. Link Your Profile to Your Website

It is very important that you link your social media accounts to your website. You will also repeat this on your website. On your website, add links to your social media pages. This makes it easier to move your audience from social media to your website to make purchases or take a desired action.

4. Post Consistently

I have seen many small businesses abscond from their social media page just after creating their page. You can't grow this way. For your brand to leverage social media for growth, you have to post consistently. You need to post at least once every day or 3 times per week.

Your followers and fans will immediately forget you when you don't constantly engage them with your posts and offers.

 

5. Engage Your Audience with Free Gifts and Contests

One way to ensure you keep your audience engaged and interested in your business is to constantly give away free gifts and organize contests. Fortunately, Facebook and other social media platform have tools that allow you do this automatically.

You can ask your audience to share your page for a chance to win a free gift, this way, you get them to do promotion for you for free. It is a great way to extend your brand reach and tap into a larger audience.

6. Be Responsive to Messages

No one likes it when it takes you days or weeks to respond to their messages. You will impress your current and potential customers if you respond to their messages as quickly as possible. According to a statistics, about 71% of social media users are likely to recommend your service to others if you provide them with excellent service on social media.

Don't miss this opportunity to attract more business to your brand. If you are too busy, hire a social media manager to help you in responding to enquiries and messages.

7. Make Use of Stunning Images, Quality Videos, and Graphics Whenever You Can

Statistics show that visual elements get more engagement than text. According to a study, 67% of buyers on social media said that visual content on social media influenced their purchasing decision.

Moreover, visual get more shares and likes. Use quality images and graphics in your post. You will also need to occasionally post videos. There are tons of affordable video editors you can pay on a platform like Fiverr to help you create jaw-dropping videos that will engage your followers and get more shares. You need to ensure that the visual elements you are using are relevant to your business and audience.

8. Give Your Audience a Reason to Keep Coming Back

You need a quality post to keep your audience engaged. Remember, quality is better than quantity. But don't stop there; use social media to give discounts and free gifts. Provide amazing customer service on social media and create activities that will keep your audience engaged. You need to give them a good reason to keep on coming back.