What is Social Media?

If you are seeking an official definition of Social Media, it can be described as this; a communications channel and an on-line network that provides platforms to meet potential customers, career peers, and influential people. It’s an opportunity to build awareness of your brand, yourself and your business and from which you could potentially profit.

The authentic and real-life definition of social media is that it is a growing and ever-changing part of business marketing today. In the past, social media was viewed as a “side option” to a business’ marketing strategy. Up until recently, people still thought they had a choice of whether to use it for their business or not, depending on the type of business they were running.  Fast forward a few years and social media has now become a critical piece of most business’ marketing plans. There is little doubt in many people’s minds now that, if used correctly, social media can be a game-changer and a powerful and influential means of reaching your ideal client and gaining brand recognition. Whether you are a non-profit, real estate investor, or a small business owner, social media is firmly woven into the fabric of our business world and is here to stay.

Why use social media for business?

It makes your business accessible. Consumers are savvier and more empowered than ever and when they want/need information, they want it now.  Social media is a two-way, real-time conversation with your current customers and potential ones as well and it also allows businesses to participate and engage with people in an instantaneous and meaningful way.  It also helps to provide an easy (and free) platform for you to build trust and gain brand recognition.

Studies show there are 2.3 billion people using the internet, yet only about 47% of small businesses are utilizing Social Media. This is not surprising, as social media is time consuming and for a small business owner, who already has a full timetable, it can be difficult to fit in the time necessary to do it well.  Lack of time notwithstanding however, small business owners beware. The world of social media for business is already pretty well established and it moves fast. Pretty soon, almost everyone you know will be using it in one way or another and all your competitors too. It takes time to build a substantial presence on social media. It would be a good idea to start thinking, sooner rather than later, about how you’re going to get on board.