Why do business choose social?

Did you know 40% of the global population use the internet? That’s 3 billion people. And of that 3 billion, did you know 2.1 billion people have active social media accounts?

Then consider how many of those people use mobile phones?

With the rapid smart phone penetration globally – social media is accessible anytime, anywhere.

It gives businesses the incredible access to learn about their target market and to speak to them in a conversational and tailored way. It’s an affordable media channel; it’s responsive and adaptive and puts small brands on a level playing field with bigger brands.

What’s in it for business?

Businesses choose social as it gives them access to a large number of people in a really personal way. 2.1 billion people, right?!

So for businesses, that means it’s:

• Global: There are 3 billion active internet users globally (which is 40% of the global population), with 2.1 billion active social media accounts.
• Accessible: With the rapid smart phone penetration globally – it’s also accessible anytime, anywhere.
• Insightful: It gives businesses the incredible access to learn about their target market and to speak to them in a conversational and tailored way.
• Social: Service-based businesses are already social; they depend heavily on social interactions with clients and professional colleagues to carry out their work and develop new business. Social media provides a natural extension to generate leads and referrals.
• Affordable: It’s an affordable media channel; it’s responsive and adaptive and puts small brands on a level playing field with bigger brands.

Let’s take a look at the US brand

Starbucks

Starbucks manage their Facebook page kind of like an extension of their coffeehouse.
The images on their feed – are as cosy as chilling out with a White chocolate frappucino
And they extend that warmth through their care in responding to every single fan comment – whether a drink clarification or personal experience.

Once they reply it encourages conversation between their Facebook fans; and as a result, each branded post turns into a discussion thread not unlike a fan forum.

So what’s the return on their investment in social? It’s all about extending the experience instore and creating a loyal tribe who’ll choose Starbucks again and again, and reflect it as a lifestyle choice through their own social feeds.

And this is just one example of how a business uses social.

What’s in it for your business?

The business who knows how to ‘Stand Out’ and market themselves — will not only get noticed, they will attract clients, expand their influence and grow their business. Why can’t that be your business?