Social Media Marketing FAQ's
Frequently Asked Questions for Social Media Marketing!
1. What Is Social Media Marketing?
Social media marketing is a term for websites where users can actively engage with friends, companies, brands, celebrities, and more. Distinct communities are formed on most social media sites where people with
like-minded interests can share news, stories, updates, videos, and photos.
Unlike traditional media outlets such as television and newspapers, social media marketing allows people to interact. In other words, information is no longer a “one-way street” as people can converse and engage in real-time.
For businesses, social media marketing is a means to share product information, services, and specials. In addition, businesses have a way to reach out to new customers and build relationships with their current customers all at once.
Although social media sites share the same goal, each site offers unique tools. While one social media site may focus more on professional networking, another site may focus more on videos and chatting, while yet another one concentrates on short messages and updates.
2. What if My Target Audience Doesn’t Use Social Media Sites?
Millions of people use social media sites daily. You may be surprised to learn just how many of your target market engages in social media regularly.
However, a good strategy to bring more people to your social media pages is to include your social media profile link on your business cards, company websites, and more.
3. I’ve Never Used Social Media. Isn’t It Too Late to Get Started?
There has never been a better time to begin leveraging the power of social media marketing. In fact, thousands of new users sign up for the major social media sites each week. Additionally, new concepts and tools are always being rolled out on social media sites, which drive in even more new users.
It is never too late to get started.
4. What if These Social Media Sites Lose Popularity? Is It Worth Investing Time for Them to Disappear One Day?
Social media sites are here to stay. With its simplicity of use and interactive social engaging, social media has completely changed the way the world communicates and does business. With the rising combination of smartphone use along with computer use, social media sites are predicted to grow even larger. There’s no reason to forgo social media marketing on the assumption that these sites might one day go away.
Worst case scenario, even if a social media site does one day disappear, the efforts you’ve put into your pages will pay off if you’re able to learn more about your industry through relevant companies, acquire new customers, and personally engage with current customers.
5. I Don’t Know Much About Social Media Marketing, and I Can’t Afford to Hire a Professional. What Should I Do?
One of the best things about social media sites is the simplicity of use. Granted, all the different tools and information may seem overwhelming at first. Once you become familiar with how each social media site works, you’ll find that it’s not as intimidating as you once thought.
Make sure to read through the FAQS and tutorials that each site provides. Sign-up for each site is as simple as having an email address and contact information. Take time to check out the different tools and options that each site has before getting started.
6. Once I Setup My Social Media Accounts, What Do I Do Next?
One of the biggest mistakes made by businesses and professionals is setting up their social media and forgetting about it. Social media sites are very much “hands on.” Each site will offer you unique tools to help you, but these sites require dedication and effort.
Once you understand how each site works, you’ll need to check your accounts daily, create interesting and industry-relevant content, and interact with customers and potential customers. Keep in mind that although this can be time-consuming, the end results may be financially rewarding.
7. I Have a Small Business Where I Offer Services, Not a Brand or Products. Will social media marketing help me?
Most businesses services will benefit from social media marketing regardless of size. If you have a service, then there is a probability of some social media users needing your service. The key is to implement a plan that will work for you and your business. For example, while one business may benefit by posting product photos of their new line of clothing, your business may do better by offering weekday discounts and explaining the services that your business offers.
8. I Already Have a Good Marketing Plan System. Why Should I Replace It with Social Media Marketing?
If your current marketing plan is working for you, there is no need to get rid of it. Instead, consider mixing your current plan with a combination of social media sites for better marketing results. While it will take more time, the end results are well worth it as social media marketing has the potential to drive in more new business that you may not have reached otherwise.
9. How Much Time Will I have to Spend on Social Media Marketing?
I Don’t Have a lot of Time.
How much you put into your social media sites will determine your success. As a good rule of measure, you should spend time daily answering any questions, engaging with your customers that comment on your posts, creating new content, and researching customer preferences and concerns.
Again, keep in mind that social media marketing is time-consuming. Consider getting employees and other resources to join in and help you if you feel you don’t have a lot of time to work with.
10. How Many Social Media Sites Should I Use and How do I Get Started?
Each social media site offers its own set of unique tools. Combining and using the top social media sites, such as Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, and LinkedIn, would be the best way to get the most for your business.
For example, YouTube allows you to upload as many videos as you want. Many of your potential customers are visual and would benefit more by watching your business videos.
On the other hand, some customers prefer short messages, letting them know about new deals and product information. In this instance, Twitter would work best. Others may prefer to engage in conversations. Facebook is ideal for conversations and mingling.
Aside from optional advertising costs, all social media sites are free for businesses to use. To get started, you’ll need to have a clear profile picture and a detailed bio about your company and/or services. After that, signing up is simply registering for a free account on each site.
Currently, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter Google My Business, LinkedIn, Pinterest and YouTube lead as the top social media marketing platforms of all times. Although there are several other social media marketing platforms available, it’s recommended to start with the one that brings in the most traffic for your business. Once you’ve grown accustomed to how social media marketing works, you can always expand to as many sites as you need.
I help local businesses in the area setup and manage their Social Media profiles. So, contact me at 760-405-4834 for a free consultation if you would like help with this process.