How Businesses Can Take Advantage of Social Media Day

June 30th marks the fifth anniversary of Social Media Day, a day that celebrates the amazing popularity of social media communication. The popular social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn have planned several online events to commemorate the establishment of social media as an indelible part of our culture. While millions of Americans tweet and acquire new Facebook friends, small business owners have several ways to jumpstart their small businesses by implementing social media marketing strategies.

The Importance of Social Media Marketing

A recent study released by the Small Business Administration (SBA) confirms the importance of implementing social media marketing strategies. Over 60 percent of small businesses polled attract new customers through social media communication. Google now incorporates social media pages into its complex search result algorithm, which further validates social media sites. Business owners who create Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn pages immediately see the benefits of social media marketing.

Facebook

Facebook is perhaps the best way to interact with your customers. You can post blogs, moderate forums, and utilize a “Contact Us” link to create open communication with both prospective and lifelong customers. Facebook provides you with a reliable communication channel that includes options to present your business logo. On Social Media Day, you can offer pintable coupons via Facebook that attract new customers to your small business. Facebook also is an excellent platform for running Social Media Day contests that include product giveaways.

Twitter

Twitter established the pithy way to communicate online. With 140 or less characters, small business owners have a tool to address pressing customer needs. From handling customer complaints to solving difficult problems, small business owners build the type of trust that attracts new customers and engages loyal customers. Twitter is an easy social media marketing tool to set up and it takes little of your time. For Social Media Day, promote your business Twitter account by telling prospective and loyal customers that you plan to spend the day answering their questions and handling their concerns.

LinkedIn

Business owners should view LinkedIn as an online version of their small business resume, except the resume prompts other professionals to communicate with you online. Social media marketing via LinkedIn provides many of the same tools offered by other social media sites, such as publishing guest blogs. In addition, the professional’s social media site also allows you to join networking groups. For example, small business owners that operate restaurants can join one or more of the restaurant networking groups hosted by LinkedIn. Celebrate Social Media Day by joining a group that helps you network with industry professionals.