How Important is Social Media for Your Independent Business?

Social media matters for your independent business image 444444Today’s customers are driven mostly by digital experiences, whether it’s for researching, discussing, or buying. The internet has levelled the playing field across many different industries, which makes it even more important for businesses to find a way to stand out from competitors. To find that edge, having the right digital strategy has become crucial; social media in particular.

Independent and local businesses have a challenge on their hands in order to compete with larger, national chains. This is the case with a lot of retail businesses and service-based businesses including the likes of opticians. It has become clear over the years that strategies such as marketing for independent opticians could really help to boost business and give you an advantage over larger competitors.

Advantages of using social media for your business

Using social media is an increasingly popular way of interacting and engaging with your customer base; both current and potential. Today’s customer has so much choice, no matter what industry they’re looking into, and it’s key to find new ways in which a potential customer could find you online.

You are able to build a relationship with your customers through the use of social media; whether it’s by posting content that resonates with them, or advertising special offers and new product releases.

By using social media, your business has another way to establish its USPs and raise awareness of them. Whether you’re using organic or paid social strategies, you can advertise your business in the best light right in front of those looking for a business like yours. Take a local opticians for example; if you’re much cheaper than your competitors in the first place, or you’ve just installed the newest technology, social media is a great place to let your customers know about it.

At the end of the day, there is no doubt that your competitors are using social media; which means if you aren’t, you’ll be left behind. Embracing digital methods is one of the most effective ways to capture the modern customer’s attention. With so much choice, it’s imperative that you do everything you can to put your business in the running.

How can marketing boost your business?

In regard to independent businesses, the digital landscape is so important. Digital marketing has proven to be priceless in helping smaller businesses attract and retain customers. Local marketing specifically can be a huge help in boosting the performance of your business.

Local marketing can be used on social media through targeted ads, allowing you to promote your business to those in your area. This can help you to target your digital communication toward customers, giving you a new way to promote your services.

Digital marketing, especially social media, is low cost; a huge bonus for smaller, independent businesses. This means even if you’re working with a small budget, you can still partake in digital advertising to help boost your business online.

Meeting new demands of the modern customer means it’s time to utilise the technology at your fingertips, in order to improve communication with customers and opening up an opportunity for customers to find you online easily.