While old-fashioned, in-person networking is still effective, it can’t compare to the possibilities that social media offers. Social media may have started as a passive side activity but has evolved into a booming marketplace which offers the potential to reach billions of consumers. Are you ready to up your social media game? Here are the pros and cons of social media for your business.
Pros
Social Media is an International Open Marketplace
The social media sites with the most active users are all free to use. This open marketplace with a variety of platforms offers multiple ways to reach consumers. Social media’s reach is international, which allows you to reach more potential consumers with little to no investment.
Low Cost with Higher Returns
Social media marketing costs much less than television ads, print ads, and billboards. You can spend less money and reach a larger audience. Social media marketing also allows you to target your campaigns to a specific audience to get a higher return on your marketing investment.
Get Ahead of Your Competitors
Most of your competitors are already using social media. Don’t get left in the dark. A great social media strategy will help you get ahead of your competitors.
Creative Opportunities
Social media gives brands a wider variety of creative options to utilize. Videos, photos, and even memes are some of the options to choose from. Social media also gives brands the opportunity to respond quickly to current events in a creative way to attract followers.
Build a Relationship with Customers
Utilize social media to develop a loyal following and build a relationship with customers. Your social media presence will help consumers see you as a reliable, trusted source they can turn to.
Cons
Blurred Lines
At times, the lines between personal and professional content may get blurry, especially if an individual is the “face” of the brand. Know your brand and your audience to determine what type of content is suitable for your social media strategy.
Risk
While social media allows for a greater variety of creative expression, this comes with risks. Not every social media campaign will be received as intended. Make sure that your message on social media is crystal clear so that it will not be misinterpreted.
Trends Change Quickly
It can be exhausting to keep up with trends, which change quickly on social media. If you want to stay relevant, you will have to keep up with trends. This is when it is helpful to have a quality social media management team on board.
While there are a few potential pitfalls to social media, a savvy management team knows how to avoid them. The pros of social media vastly outweigh the cons! Now that you know the pros and cons of social media marketing, be sure to hire a team that will work to get you the best results.