Over the last decade media use has shifted from print, radio, and TV to more internet-based platforms. For businesses to get the most out of their advertising dollars, they must be creative, not only with content, but also with the media used. Social media and networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter provide high-visibility, low-cost advertising options.
1. Promotion
Promotions are a great way for businesses to spread the word about their products. Cake shops often post status updates with things like “Share this status update and get free cookies”. This creates a higher volume of foot traffic, and the cost of the free cookies will be outweighed by the benefits. After all, who only buys one cake?
According to a Pew Research study, more than half of adult Facebook users have more than 200 “friends” with 15% having more than 500. If your business has 500 followers and only 10% share promotions, those 50 people likely have 10% of their friends who will also share it and so on. Before you know it, you’ll have thousands of people “liking” your cookies.
2. game
Instead of reaching for a magazine while you’re in the waiting room like most people did in the pre-smartphone era, people played games on their mobile devices. For example, gas stations have apps that allow you to “check in” when you’re near a store to view offers and play games. By playing the game, you earn points that can be used towards free merchandise.
You have to pay an initial price to develop the app, but once the initial fee is paid, all you have to do is tell your customers about the advantages of using the app. Subscribers can also “share” their activity from the app on Facebook and play with their friends, allowing you to reach more subscribers.
3. Customer Feedback via Social Media
Feedback gives customers the feeling that they have a voice in your business. As the owner/manager of your business, you get the final say, but having input from a variety of backgrounds creates a friendly environment that appeals to a broader customer base. This allows you to deal with complaints that may go unnoticed. It also allows you to find out what your customers want and maybe come up with some unique ideas on how to improve your business or product.
4. Video Sharing
The first TV commercial ran before a baseball game in July 1941 for a Bulova watch; this marked a new era in advertising. Not so long ago, everyone stopped what they were doing during the Super Bowl to take a look at the funniest and most spectacular commercial of the year. Now, everyone shares theirs favorite videos from YouTube. Businesses can get creative and create their own videos and post them on Facebook, or they can share relevant videos and images that are sure to encourage comments.
Social media is a low-cost, high-yield method of gaining new followers and customers. Many businesses get involved with creating their own pages. However, you must learn how to engage your audience in order to make the most of your social network.
