How to use social media to drive traffic to your website?
Social media is transforming the way business is conducted . A recent study by the Internet Advertising Bureau UK found that nearly 80 % of consumers would be more inclined to buy more often in the future due to the presence of a brand on social media .
For small businesses , knowing how to take advantage of this is crucial. Julia Bramble , founder of social media consultancy Bramble Buzz, says: " If companies do not have the [ social media ] presence then you'll really be missing because customers expect companies and brands in the country. "
What SME owners should focus, says Bramble , is your target market : " The key message is to think about who your customers , think about everything you know about them , where they live , what their lifestyles are , what are their interests , business savvy and outside the company , and that will give you great tips on social networks are likely to use . "
Once you have your social media strategy in place , he adds, need to think about how this will translate into sales and business development . Are you going to drive traffic to your website? Get bums on seats at an event? Or drive footfall in stores? "How is it that everything fantastic activity and buzz translate into tangible business results , that's the key to social media to grow your business," he says .
Claire Mitchell , founder of The Girls Mean Business , saw the conversion of your Facebook "likes" in a business like an opportunity that could not pass through it. Having made a business coaching and decided to use the bad girls brand business to deliver training programs , seminars and ebooks for women entrepreneurs .
The use of Facebook has expanded its reach globally. Your page has nearly 14,000 "likes" , from countries as far and wide in Canada, Australia , the U.S. and South Africa , as well as the UK and the rest of Europe . She says: " The Facebook page really came alive , it was great . "
Knowing what to do with social media in order to succeed is key and Mitchell found several things to be vital to attract customers : asking users questions - both general and business-related - dilemmas " to share with the other users , putting out feelers for advice and solutions , and posting inspirational quotes . She says: " I have a great answer that helps people , because when you're sitting at home on the execution of this business and trying to juggle with children or other work, is a very lonely place to be at times and it just makes people feel they are not alone . "
For Adam Ball , owner of the design firm Wardrobe Concept, Twitter has expanded its network . He says . " Twitter gives you a free platform to let the world know who you are and what you do when you are looking to approach someone for possible associations , meetings, etc. , this can be a great tool to reach people. A lot of professionals to use the platform and can be a great way to introduce yourself as long as you are not just spam people. 've had enough meetings created from a conversation that started on Twitter . "
While Facebook and Twitter are social networks with emphasis on social Kimberley Waldron, co -founder of SkyParlour PR , LinkedIn found , which is aimed at professionals , to be instrumental in the creation of international contacts . She says: "In the last 12-18 months has generated some real opportunities for us , I spent five weeks in New York in February this year going around meeting with potential clients and trade bodies , and 90 % of all contacts and meetings I had. were established through LinkedIn " .
A feature of LinkedIn , which has been particularly fruitful for Waldron is the recommendations : Companies or individuals can recommend someone as a colleague or potential client. Having a visible online reputation immediately creates transparency , Waldron believes , makes potential customers more likely to trust you. She says: " We put together a great business earlier this week and immediately the guys who threw left my profile and my LinkedIn add feel they trust me , because they can see my career history and recommendations of others. , so that takes away a little of the "Who is this person? ' "
Emerging social media platforms are also making a big difference in how small business market . Rebecca Mortby , for example , co -founder of Graduations Greenfinch , a service graduation planning for families of international students and online in the UK in March this year. She has been able to Pinterest tailored to meet the specific needs of your company : "We started to share tips and advice on everything from graduation outfits and hairstyles to move in the day , messages and links for students and news online international and useful motivational quotes and stories . "
Pinterest has also enabled customers Greenfinch Graduations " to tailor your package the way they like. Mortby says: " The option of establishing private tables allowed share ideas and insights with our clients and their families They can also add ideas boards and effectively communicate their vision without long phone calls , email exchanges . or even a common language. "
The success of options is an example of how images are effective as a stimulus. Instagram is another social media platform that has exploited this , as Lyndsey Haskell , which owns the site sales of gardening as you sow , found . She says: " Instagram has really helped what you sow is going well I can post pictures of style for my actions as well as images of the brand of my adventures in gardening , plants, flowers and gardens I have visited much of . . what you sow is identity -oriented lifestyle , which not only can people see images of things I'm selling , but have a real idea of my inspirations gardening too. "
Bramble adds: "I think everyone is realizing how powerful social media can be in terms of business growth. "