In Australia, almost half of businesses have a website or web presence and just over a quarter are active on social media. But the most recent data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows that larger companies are outperforming small business in both areas.
A major barrier for small business when it comes to social media is just how time consuming it can be. Yet research shows that increased online activity is matched with more sales for Australian businesses, so it’s worth finding time in your busy day to build a social media presence.
Plenty of small businesses are reporting success using social media so to take time out to learn from the success of others. You’ll find interviews and case studies online of people eager to share their knowledge that can help you formulate your strategy too.
Social media can help you build followers and engage with your audience whether you need to build up a presence in your local community or if you want to draw on a broader reach of customers from around Australia and the rest of the world.
If you’re a business (e.g. arts and crafts) with plenty of images to display then Pinterest, Instagram, Etsy and Facebook are all worth exploring. Facebook is ideal for giving people a sneak peek at your products as well as letting them know where they can buy from you – whether it’s at your local market or online.
Social media is also effective when it comes to building your business reputation. If you’re on Facebook or Twitter, your followers can communicate directly with you, giving you the chance to answer them promptly and in a public forum that lets other customers and prospects see your responsiveness and commitment to customer service.
Remember – you don’t need to have a presence on every bit of social media as not every platform will be right for your business. But putting time and effort into social media can help you make valuable connections, broaden your customer reach, boost your search rankings and strengthen your brand – and that has to be good for business!
For help getting the most out of social media for your business, speak to the team at your local Kwik Kopy today.
