Do I Need Social Media To Grow My Business?

5 Feb

This is an interesting one … I read on a business Facebook group I'm in, a post where someone asked 'Do people really need Social Media to grow their business, when I grew mine without it?'

This question raised some debate. Some people said "yes, you undoubtedly do need Social Media" where some said "absolutely not!" some people pointed out that they were using Social Media to ask the question, therefore bringing online attention to their business!

It turns out, the person asking the question, owned a salon and said they were fully booked. While I think it is truly amazing, that any business can be hugely successful, in whichever way they built it, I can't help but feel this person has totally underestimated the part Social Media, has possibly played a role, even without their knowledge.

From the information of 'having a salon' I am presuming it is either a Hairdressers or Beautician perhaps. I'm also presuming there is a shop front, with passing trade, in order for it to be fully booked. (I could be wrong, but bare with me, it's a good example of what I'm about to say!)

Say you're a Hairdresser, you've done a beautiful job on a lady that has gone out for the night. Drunken photos are taken and her pals have shared them on the socials, (not speaking from experience, obvs!) someone comments "Deirdre, your hair looks fabulous darling!" 💁🏻‍♀️ Deirdre replies with "oh thank you hun, Pauline at Updos did it!" (names and salons completely made up BTW! ) Boom, Social Media IS promoting your business!! 😍

A lot of Hairdressers I know, are Facebook friends with their clients. They (may or) may not be sharing photos of the latest client's hair cut, but they are probably interacting with their clients, keeping in touch. Their clients are possibly DM-ing, asking for availability. The Hairdresser is possibly posting about their new, superfandango website that just been built, where clients can book in, or see their opening times or latest hair treatments and offers?! (which we obviously, brilliantly built 😜)

Don't get me wrong, I'm not suggesting businesses have to have Social Media to grow, but does it help? ABSOLUTELY! you may not even be on Social Media, but I bet you have at least one client talking about you somewhere on Social Media, whether that is to recommend, to celebrate their new purchase and the fabulous service you've provided, or even to slag you off, (whether it's true or not 😡) If you are in business, you, or your business will be mentioned at some point, for the good, hopefully not for the bad, but if you are on it, then it gives you the chance to respond, keep the conversation going and meet a potential, new client/customer.

But, not all Social Media platforms are worth your time, if you provide a service or products that are visual, then Instagram and Pinterest are definitely worth having. For social interaction, more on a personal, chilled approach, then Facebook is the place to be. And for business, more corporate approach, it’s LinkedIn all the way!

Clubhouse is the new, upcoming social platform to get involved in if you are interested in Live Audio Social Media, which brings the opportunity for live interaction. TikTok is the playful, carefree place to go if you don't mind looking a bit of a Twat (I can say that, I'm in that category 😳)... Not forgetting Twitter, the place to go if you're into a bit of tweeting and YouTube is great for vlogging and any video content you create! (BTW, there are over 100 Social Media platforms to choose from, so I really could go on even further!😯)

So, like it or not, Social Media IS a part of your business, whether you're involved or not! So personally setting up your own presence, I would suggest, is the best way to go.

The Downsides

Managing Social Media for business can be very time consuming, lots of platforms to choose from and get your head around, your ideal audience aren't typically searching for you or your service, they either find your business by accident, or by you paying for ads and showing up, or because someone has tagged or recommended you. It is a long term part of your marketing strategy.

The Positives

You can pay for ads which show up on your targeted, potential client’s profiles, (must be done right, otherwise you'll lose a lot of money fast! 🙈) it provides FREE advertising if you're not bothered about growing, but just want to keep it social and informative for your existing clients, it points to your website, which leads new clients your way and also helps with your Google ranking & SEO, it gets you talking to people, you can share your achievements and offers with clients and build relationships, people can share your business for you. All of which promotes your business! 😀

So, to answer the question, Do I need social media to grow my business? the answer is … yes, it looks like you do! 😎