In today’s world, a lot of interaction between customers and businesses happens through social media outlets. In some instances, these social sites may be more productive for attracting new buyers than television or radio spots. For instance, social media is 2.4 times more likely to connect to targeted consumers than the most popular televised entertainment.

Affecting More Than Online Income

Internet marketing affects more than e-commerce websites or other online sources. With the proper strategy, you can target local consumers in your area more effectively than television or radio ads. Social media connects users while promoting local interaction. Instead of a generalized media advertisement such as that on TV, advertising can be focused directly on users that have previous interest in products or services that your business provides. This includes tailoring ads for specific local groups and individuals. The end result is improved marketing of your brick-and-mortar location.

Public Interaction is Worth the Time

When fans and patrons begin visiting your social outlets, continuous interaction provides a sense of belonging and deepens the connection between your brand and the person. Instead of a faceless corporation that doesn’t care about the little people, companies have been given the opportunity to relate to consumers on a level which they are comfortable. Replying to a comment a person left on your social profile may make that individual feel important for being singled out for communication. Depending on the success of your brand, it could provide a sense of incredible pride, strengthening your bond with that individual. From that moment on, word-of-mouth advertising increases from that single user.

Location is Still Key When Building Your Business

Although Internet marketing promotes your business regardless of your physical location, providing an easy-to-access storefront still plays an integral role in success. Knowing where to set up shop can make it easier for patrons to locate your products or services. While access to prime real estate has its advantage in the real world, the social media connections created may make your business stand out to local patrons even more due to search engine indexing.

Casual Formalities With a Side of Business

Regular updates to social media channels should be more of a casual appearance than a hardcore advertisement. Creating material that is more “friendly” than “business” may be the most effective way to market your product. Many have had success selling in this manner by demonstrating goods as a friend or trusted advisor would. While the content may still be somewhat salesy, the tense should be more relaxed and entertaining. For instance, making people laugh is an excellent method for marketing — as shown in television advertisements since the late 1990s.

Target Your Audience With Greater Control

Social media is more than just a way to keep in touch with Grandma or your sister in another state. It can be used to directly target specific individuals based on geographic location, current search engine activity and apparent interests on those social sites. This vastly improves the quality of advertising as it focuses on those already displaying interest in the material. Be active on social networks and revel in a higher return on your investment.

By Kar

Dr. Kar works in the interface of digital transformation and data science. Professionally a professor in one of the top B-Schools of Asia and an alumni of XLRI, he has extensive experience in teaching, training, consultancy and research in reputed institutes. He is a regular contributor of Business Fundas and a frequent author in research platforms. He is widely cited as a researcher. Note: The articles authored in this blog are his personal views and does not reflect that of his affiliations.