Do you REALLY know what your customers are saying about you?
In a world where the average phone user has a smart phone with a media plan and 78% of the households in the United States are connected to the internet, the need to have an online presence is a no-brainer.
However, most businesses, especially smaller ones, either have no presence whatsoever, are being affected by unfounded negative reviews and remarks with no way to defend themselves, or have no idea where to begin once they put a page up on Facebook.
The average consumer searches online before heading out to local business to purchase goods. If they cannot locate you, then they cannot spend their money with you! Did you know that 47% of all Facebook users state that their ability to interact with a brand influenced a purchasing decision? And that from 2010 to 2012, 1/3 of Americans have followed a brand on a social media site? It's not just millinieals using this sites, either, as in 2012, the fastest growing segment of users are those aged 45 - 54 years. This is a demographic that has money to spend and is looking to use it on their terms!
47% of consumers aged 19-35 state that if a business has no online presence (no Facebook, Google +, Yelp, Pintrest, etc), they will not do business there. The potential loss of revenue is staggering! Considering that 44% of all social media use is done via mobile devices, the margin of a customer finding you and making a decision to patronize your business is so slim, you cannot afford to take any chances!
But what do you do once you HAVE signed up for these sites? It's not enough to merely put yoruself out there anymore. Customers want you to ENGAGE with them. The average user reports checking facebook, twitter and other sites several times a day, and if you're not updating when they are you are missing very real revenue streams. In addition, building brand loyalty means that your social media is scrutinized for your availbility for your consumers and your responses to both praise AND criticism. The personal touch is something that garners a very real return on investment, but as a small business owner, your availablity to spend three - five hours daily mangaging your social media accounts is something that just cannot be done.
However, a social media specialist IS something attainable. No matter what your business is, Upstate Social Media Management has the ability to accomplish all of this for you, within your budget and keeping YOUR vision at the forefront of everything we do. Don't let this valuable part of your marketing budget go to waste. Contact us for a free consultation where we can discuss what we have done for others and what we can do for you!
Statistical information provided by aggregate: Social Media Today
