Social media marketing for small businesses - it makes sense!

There was a time when social media was considered a passing fad. Yet today, with over three billion Internet users and over two thirds of these people having active social media sites, social media channels have become a critical part of the marketing mix for businesses large and small.

1. Why should I use social media?
You should definitely consider using social media if your current and potential customers/stakeholders use it and/or your competitors exploit it. In addition, social media is a relatively cheap way of gaining market presence and reaching out to your target audience.

2. Which social media platform should I use?
Every social media platform is different; the only thing all of them have in common is that they reach large audiences. By understanding your customers’ demographics and buying habits, you can find the most appropriate social media channel. For example, if you have a product that is targeted at young mums you may consider Facebook and Instagram. If you are selling a B2B solution you may think about posting relevant content on LinkedIn. If you are selling a service into local government you may consider Twitter....

For more advice on how to make the most of the vast opportunities that social media could offer your start-up or small business, please click here to read the rest of the blog on our website.

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The power of ‘words’ helps to grow your start-up or small business

After my usual chaotic start to the morning of herding children out of the door, into the car and off to nursery or school, I breathe a sigh of relief and turn on the car radio as I drive into work – one of the only times I have a choice about what I want to listen to!

One particular morning, I happened to be listening to a programme about the use of words. The presenter gave an example of how her friend had changed career – mid-life – and went from being a lawyer to a mediator. As a prosecutor, the lawyer would use every word as a bullet to knock down the defendant and prove beyond all reasonable doubt that the alleged offence was committed. As a mediator, he would use every word carefully to build bridges between two parties in conflict with each other, with the aim of finding a way forward.

As a business owner, this story resonates with me. While we all have access to the same suite of vocabulary in the English language, the way in which we choose to use it can have a significant impact on the objectives we are trying to achieve and how we are perceived by others. 

From the way in which we answer the phone, respond to customer queries, present ourselves at meetings and networking opportunities, to how we promote our services through traditional, digital and social media marketing, we build a picture in our customers’ minds as to the sort of companies we are. More importantly, many will draw from these experiences and conclude whether we are credible, experienced, reliable and able to deliver a product or service that meets (and hopefully exceeds) their expectations.

So if you are thinking about reaching out and engaging with new and existing customers, suppliers and, if your company is large enough, employees, think carefully about the way you use your words, how they will be interpreted and how your marketing and communications can be used to help deliver your business goals.

If you are planning a new product launch or you are reviewing your marketing and communications plan, why not talk it through with us? We offer a free 30 minute phone consultation to talk through your objectives with one of our senior marketing and communications specialists. We are a friendly and approachable bunch. Give us a call to learn more about our team and what we do. Telephone: 01264 860060 or e-mail us.

Charlotte Welland, Head of Communications, Scirum Ltd