Social media, of course, is in its infancy, at least for website traffic generators, so what are the so far little-penetrated benefits of social media?
Lower costs
It is significantly cheaper to employ online social media strategies than to pay for advertising. When you connect to a social network, you can shortlist potential customers. Learn what your prospects like and don’t like. That personal relationship you get when you connect with your potential customer is more valuable than what you would get if you advertised it. Advertising is impersonal: the “one size fits all” concept no longer seems to work.
Credibility and trust
Connecting with prospects on a personal level builds trust and credibility. A general rule of thumb is to offer your services, expertise, or help before applying. It is acceptable to promote your services when requested. If you’re not careful, your attempts could be considered spam. Instead, wait for opportunities to present themselves rather than forcing a situation.
Is who you know
When you socialize, you meet others who know others. How will you meet the president of a large corporation? Start by talking to your friends. Ask his associates if they know of anyone who is related to him. And so on.
Social media relationships are supposed to benefit both parties. Never take more than you give. When the opportunity presents itself, don’t be afraid to ask your contact to introduce you to a prospect. The old saying rings true: it’s not what you know; is who you know.
There are many reasons to use social media as a marketing tactic. Make sure you have more time to spend. While it is true that the initial costs are lower, this method requires a lot of research and relationship building time.