Over the last few years, social networking has exploded in popularity. Consequently, it is now imperative for businesses large and small to maintain an online presence, in order to effectively engage with customers.

Between 2005 and 2006, there was a 73% increase in social network users, with trends continuing to rise exponentially.  Facebook is currently the largest social platform, with over 1.23 billion profiles – that equates 43% of independent online users, not to mention 17% of the world’s population.

Worldwide, two billion people engage on social media allowing for a 24/7 stream of communication. For marketers, these platforms represent a tremendous opportunity.

Given the aforementioned statistics, it’s likely your business maintains social networks. A recent study found that 81% of small businesses use social media to marketing their business. If you’re not one of them, however, it’s never to late to start!

The online staples for businesses are Facebook and Twitter; combined they account for 1.5 billion users, a hefty portion of engagement.

In order to effectively utilize various platforms, it is important to note the stylistic differences of effective marketing on each site. For instance, posts on Facebook should draw the interest of users, through captivating content and media. Ultimately, creating loyal followers on Facebook will help your brand awareness.

Twitter, conversely, limits posts to 140 characters, compelling concise updates. Twitter is a multifaceted platform, due to its unparalleled capacity for newsworthy communication. For businesses, Twitter is most effective for one-to-one engagement of your customers.

After conquering the basics, the options are endless. Google+ is imperative for search engine rankings, otherwise known as SEO. Instagram and Pinterest are growing channels, which can be advantageous for visual content promotion. LinkedIn can be successful for highly targeted content. Finally, for businesses that maintain physical locations, Yelp and Foursquare are vital for customer loyalty and acquisition.

Social media is no longer a mystical tool the young and tech-savvy. Social media marketing is accessible, advantageous, and necessary for every business. Happy Posting!

Author:

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Erik Leist

Internet Marketing Evangelist
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Erik Leist is a veteran Internet Marketing professional who has worked for clients and agencies across the United States. He leads IMA in identifying and following industry trends.

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