Social media opens up new avenues for small businesses. It does not have a huge staff nor a massive infrastructure. The only thing it can choose to rely on for growth is its online presence. A strong online presence has the potential to catapult, and bring it closer to the top of the ladder. And when it comes to selecting the medium, it is either local SEO or social media engagement. While local SEO can help in increasing its visibility in the SERPs, social media is the platform that facilitates customer interaction. Moreover, it is a more cost-effective option. Therefore, it does not have to worry about its limited budget when it is trying to create a better social presence.
However, I believe that these are not the only things why a small business should rely on social media. It has greater potentials, and some of these powers can only get harnessed by small businesses. Are you surprised? Keep your senses wide-awake as I present four reasons why it is easier for your small business.
Direct Contact with Customers
Unlike a big organization where mainly the back-line staff members interact with customers, owner of a small business can either manage the social media accounts personally or give the task to his front-line staff members. An owner and his front-line staff members are more knowledgeable about the functions of the business, and naturally, their direct interactions with customers become more believable and reliable.
No Strictly Defined Silos
A large business creates different departments, and divides the tasks among them. In most cases, the marketing department gets the role of handling the accounts. However, it is important to understand that social media is not just about marketing; it covers other valuable things like public relations, communication, and customer service and satisfaction. Normally, a small business does not have strictly defined silos, and therefore, the entire team can look after the accounts together.
Low Acquisition Cost
The process of setting up accounts in social networking sites is free. However, these sites charge a certain amount if an account holder needs to avail certain extra features. The process of setting up a blog is not free either. However, these charges are quite low when compared to buying advertisements like billboards, yellow page ads and radio spots.
Greater Flexibility
One of the major advantages of a small business is that it is more flexible when adapting to a change. From new trends to new competitors, a small business can take decisions on the spot. When it comes to social media, it can give quicker reactions than a large business and adapt itself more easily to the changing mechanisms.
