Businesses have 2 options: engage in social media now, or do it later. Either way you don’t have a choice but to embrace social media as one of your major marketing tactic and communication channel very soon.
The state of social media now as part of any business is still optional, but it won’t be like that for long. People who see the potential in social media right now, dive in and have started familiarizing and mastering all the tools and gets a head start in your industry.
The Boom Of Social Media
Technology began to change very rapidly in the 20th Century. The first recognizable social media site, Six Degrees, was created in 1997. It enabled users to upload a profile and make friends with other users and step by step social media was changing and gaining momentum creating a new set of market reach of audience but this was still not enough for business owners to start embracing immediately the connection power of social media.
According to research, in 2008 73% of 18 to 29 year olds were using social media, while only 36% of 30 to 49 years age bracket, and 16% of 50 to 64 year age bracket were using social media. The core decision makers in most companies are in between the 40 to 55 age bracket, and in 2008 less than half of this demographic was using tools like Twitter and Facebook for their personal use.
But social media came in like a tsunami hitting us all. By 2010 86% of 18 to 29 year age bracket, 61% of 30 to 49 year age bracket and 47% of 50 to 64 year age bracket were using social media. Social media is starting to make sense for marketing, because more than half of decision makers were participating in social media to some degree or another.
Fast forward to today, social media has become mainstream for both personal and business use.
Stop Resisting
Stop resisting social media! It’s the connection and network that you are looking for to better market your brand and business.
“My clients are not in social media” That statement may hold some bearing, but think about your future clients? You might be ignoring a much larger reach of audience that could potentially become your customers?
“Social media will eat up my time” That is true because you need to learn the platform and actually engage in the network, but you have a choice. You can always delegate it to someone more familiar or you can learn it yourself so you can better understand how it works. Don’t be afraid to prioritize social media and spend time and resources over it.
“I don’t know what contents should I be posting.” Stop over thinking! The key in social media is building relationships. Opportunities will start coming in once you’ve established a good relationship with your intended target audience. You can use social media to enhance your communication with your existing clients. You can also engage your suppliers and partners through this channel. Start low and then slowly you can consider how it can assist your marketing efforts.
Don’t Be Afraid
Imagine comparing the growth of social media to websites. Back in the days having a website was optional, but now, you’re not a business without a website. Today social media is optional, but it won’t be for long before it becomes a vital part of any business.
Don’t be left behind. Embrace the change, and start thinking of ways you can expand your reach and relationship with your intended target audience. You’ll be amazed of the things that you’re actually missing out.