Over the last decade media usage has shifted from print, radio, and TV to a more internet-based platform. For businesses to get the most out of their advertising dollar they have to be creative, not just with content, but also with the medium used. Social media and networking sites like Facebook and Twitter provide low-cost, high visibility advertising options.
1. Promotions
Promotions are a great way for businesses to get the word out about their product. A cookie shop often posts status updates with things like “Share this status update and get a free cookie.” This creates a higher volume of foot traffic, and the costs of a free cookie will be outweighed by the benefits. After all, who buys just one cookie?
Based on a Pew Research study, over half of adult Facebook users have over 200 “friends” with 15% having over 500. If your business has 500 followers and just 10% share the promotion, those 50 people are likely to have 10% of their friends that will also share it and so on. Before you know it you’ll have thousands of people “liking” your cookies.
2. Games
Instead of grabbing a magazine when you are in a waiting room like most did in the pre-smartphone era, people are playing games on their mobile devices. For instance, a gas station has an app that allows you to “check-in” when you are near the store to see deals and play games. By playing the game you earn points that can be used for free merchandise.
You have to pay a startup price to develop the app, but once the initial cost is paid all you have to do is tell your customers about the advantages of using the app. Customers can also “share” their activity from the app on Facebook and play with their friends, allowing you to reach more customers.
3. Customer Feedback via Social Media
Feedback gives the customers a sense that they have a say in your business. As an owner/manager of your business you get the final say, but having input from diverse backgrounds creates a friendly environment that appeals to a wider customer base. It allows you to field complaints that might have otherwise gone unnoticed. It also allows you to find out what your customers want and maybe generate some unique ideas on how to improve your business or your product.
4. Sharing Videos
The first TV ad aired before a baseball game in July of 1941 for a Bulova wristwatch; this marked a new era in advertising. Not too long ago, everybody stopped what they were doing during the Super Bowl to see the funniest, most spectacular commercial of the year. Now, everyone is sharing their favorite videos from YouTube. Businesses can get creative and make their own video and post it on Facebook, or they can share relevant videos and images that are sure to encourage comments.
Social media is a low-cost, high-results method of gaining new followers and customers. Many businesses have gotten involved by creating their own pages. However, you must learn how to engage your audience to make the most of your social networks.
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