I was at a meeting with a business owner/friend this morning about two different projects I am working on for two different clients and our conversation drifted to social media and the why behind it.
We all know that social media is here to stay. It’s changed how our lives function. It’s changed how business is done. To have a visual on the spanse of social media, check out this graphic:
Look at that! What business wouldn’t want a piece of that pie?
My friend and I talked about how social media is growing. His business does not have a presence on any of the social media networks (well, just a Facebook group he started). I told him times have changed. Traditional marketing and advertising has had to adapt for social media. You want to find your customers or prospective customers? Go where they are – Facebook, Twitter, Google+. Bring your marketing into the 21st century.
So to answer the question, Why Social Media? My answer, why not? More and more companies are increasing their social media marketing budget because that is where consumers are. In a simple click, your message can be retweeted or +1′d or shared on Facebook. Isn’t word of mouth (or viral) marketing best? User recommendations. Videos. Conversations with your followers. Times have changed indeed. When I come across a business that isn’t on social media, I have to ask them why. At this point, no one can afford NOT to be on it. There are tons of widgets, apps and such for your Facebook page. Enhance the user experience and gain a loyal customer in return. Here’s another graphic that should convince any business owner why they should be on social media:
Impressive or what?
Still have questions about social media? I suggest you read my previous post, “Your Social Media Questions Answered.” Please feel free to contact me with any questions or to find out how your business can find their place on social media.
The results are Amazing, Mandy! I love social media and not just what it does for our business but the beautiful impact it has on our personal lives. My life is so blessed and so much richer for the Amazing people that I have met on my social networks…like you
Thanks
Great post! I have to agree with Susan. I love social media especially for the incredible people I have met over the last 8 years. They have made a great impact on my life. I love social media and love helping people find the best way to use it to compliment their lives and businesses!
Your site looks amazing. I love the article, but the clean look, moving share options and other things just look spectacular. Great work!
Thanks Mona! I just added the floating share on Monday!
Love your post Mandy! I love social media as well. It isn’t all business either! I’ve met so many wonderful people that I would not have had the opportunity to meet otherwise. They have enriched my life! Great site you have…clean! Thanks !
Thanks Alexandra!!
When I ask business owners if word of mouth is used to bring in business, they always say it’s their best source of business.
I share with them that social media is the same thing, and then they get it.
Great post!
Thanks AJ!
Great post! social media came and is played with, and will shift and change as people shift and change! Who knows what’s in store for us! great job! Patricia
Those infographics are amazing and such a good way to display the importance and dominance of social media.
Great graphics! So informative. Thanks!
Very true and very informative.
Wow! I love the graphics that illustrate your post. Certainly food for thought!
Mandy, you are so right! Businesses do have to go where people are and they are in social media in big numbers! Not only has social media changed how we communicate but it has wound itself into our very culture like nothing since the TV in my opinion. Pretty amazing if you think about it!
I ran across this graphic the other day. This post helped me put it into perspective, especially in how I present it to my target market. Great post!
I love it but Social Media is an interesting phenomenon. I wonder if it will become so infused with marketing messages that we will eventually avoid it like many avoid TV. Just a thought. I have 3 sons…they, each one, avoids all social media whenever possible. Their comment is that people don’t know how to interact face to face. They have watched as people have romances bloom and crash and burn all on social media sites.
Michelle-
That is a good point. I know some who refuse to get on Facebook for that reason. There will always be those who choose not to. The majority are online in some form of social media. We all still need traditional marketing to reach those who choose not to come online. I understand where your sons are coming from – that’s a big “con” with social media – no face to face interaction.
Never before have we ever been able to connect to others as social media has allowed us to. Us humans are now in a position to make a positive impact on this world. Let us all join together for the betterment of everyone
Love social media and what it has done for me. I am truly blessed!
Excellent post! I am doing much better now with embracing Social Media in my business! It has been wonderful so far, I am building wonderful relationships!
I LOVE social media and the question to those not using it is “why not?” I have created countless connections and friends with people I wouldn’t have otherwise met. Great post, Mandy!
Thanks Lisa!
Mandy, I like when you say why not… business has changed and those who don’t adapt to this huge change in the world, will simple left out. It is said to hear how some business owners still don’t have any idea and the power of social media. However Mandi it is the service that you provide, that will help them to get in line! Thank you my friend for the useful information!
Great post with some impressive infographic data. I still run across so many people who either don’t see any value in social media for their businesses or just don’t understand how it works and don’t want to. It is sad to see them left behind because they won’t or don’t want to look at any changes to their businesses.
Mandy great info. I know social media has been great for building some special friendships, but still challenged to get more activity on my fb adn twitter walls. Being patient.
Great post! And it’s very true that many are losing out if not involved in Social Media..times are quickly changing and why not take advantage of creating some wonderful relationships with SMedia:)
I can’t imagine what I’d be without the lovely network of people I’ve connected with via Social Media. The results are great, but I know the benefits
Great article Mandy, and I totally agree. Not only is social media the best way to become known, it’s where the people are ~ so how could you not be there?! When I’m looking to do business with a company, I always go check out their FB page and Twitter account. If they aren’t there, I usually find someone who is!
Jennifer, I do the same thing! As a matter of fact, I was looking up phone numbers and was looking up their Facebook pages to get them!
Why not? As soon as social media is adapted to sift through the majority of white noise and just publish qual;ity content.
Thanks for stopping by the blog! I added you to my circles on Google+!
Great Infographics Mandy! Really powerful stuff. Soon to be tweeted, posted and pinned.
Thanks Matt!! I wish I could take credit for the graphics, but I cannot! Thanks for sharing
Got in! I forgot what I was going to say beyond very impressive indeed! You mentioned something about facebook widgets, I know that is something I need to check out. I have taken advantage of whatever is out there.
600 videos uploaded to YouTube every 60 seconds? Some of these statistics are amazing. Thanks for sharing!