This is often a question asked. A question I ask myself as well. Even those of us in this industry wonder as well because we want to offer the best digital marketing solutions for our clients. How can we do social media management and KNOW we are making a real difference? One of the things many people do not consider is how valuable Brand Awareness is for businesses. Brand awareness on social media is usually built up slowly over time as the business consistently posts and shares. Brand Awareness is more subtle than some of the other digital marketing techniques, yet still needed and very effective.
If You Want Fast Results
If it is fast results you want then consider social media ads. These are ads placed on a social media platform and run for a specific time frame. You can determine the minimum and maximum you want to spend. Keep in mind, however, they are quicker but not long-lasting. They are, however, part of an overall strategy that can be beneficial as Josh Barney shares.
"Ads get results quicker than any other digital marketing tactic and there are a ton of advertising features that make them such an essential part of digital marketing." "Most people (47%) share feedback on the seller’s website, followed by Facebook (31%), brand websites (18%), WhatsApp (17%), and Instagram (12%)."
Visiting Social Media Pages
Many who visit your Social Media pages may never comment or even like your page. They will, however, read it and the posts shared. There is a multitude of people who do not feel as warm and fuzzy about sharing online or even commenting on other’s posts. but will, however, soak up the information given. How do you put a figure on this & brand awareness? It is not easy. You will, however, come to recognize it more as you begin to get inquiries not just with new clients, but also for guest blogs, interviews, and more. This will be another indicator that your social media is working.
Building A Brand Presence
"Think about building your presence, branding and audience online – this is how you’ll win not just today, but tomorrow as well. Try to build real trust, authority and positioning with the hottest topic in marketing – content, and be consistent with it. Use content to help build those custom audiences, generate leads and get your business where it should be online." Einstein Marketer
Statistics Do Not Lie
You also have to consider your social presence with regard to search engines and those who will be looking for your services. So many search before purchasing today. We look for reviews and for an online presence. In this your social media presence and content also has great value. Viewing statistic like that shared by Linsay Liedke (below) will have every business making sure their social media is covered.
“Most people (47%) share feedback on the seller’s website, followed by Facebook (31%), brand websites (18%), WhatsApp (17%), and Instagram (12%).”
“Over half of all businesses claim that generating leads and traffic to their site is their biggest marketing challenge. If this is something you struggle with, read up on these important facts and statistics to see where you can make improvements.”
“Qualified leads rely on word of mouth (55%), customer references (46%), and media articles (38%) to make purchase decisions.”
The top 3 methods for lead generation include email, event, and content marketing. (DM News)
The top lead generation strategies used by marketers involve a company website, email marketing, and SEO.
The Long Game
When questioning if Social Media is working it is good to realize social media is actually something of a long game strategy. The only quick, consistent turnarounds in social media are to do ads on a platform, and even that is no guarantee. Or if you are really clever you may come up with some way to produce a viral video, but those are far and few between.
Social media requires patience and continuing to build relationships. Yes, content should be added regularly and consistently. Yes, content should be on brand. Yes, content should be created that reaches your audience. All of this is true, but it is also true that you must realize that social media is a long game.
The long game, however, involves brand awareness, building relationships, and providing good, consistent content. When given the opportunity to connect with someone be sure to do a little research and see if they make a good connection. If you decide they do, then also set up a time to speak with them directly and make an impression. Perhaps they will remember you when looking for needs in the future.
Tell us what you think. Is your social media is working for you and your business?
