Social Media: Use It or Lose It

At this point, you should know that using social media to grow your business and/or brand is a smart move. There is a reason that just about every business guru out there recommends it. It works.  Well, it works if you know what to do and are ready to do it.  Too often I see misguided businesses and organizations create a social media profile, page or account that might as well be collecting dust.  I’m here to tell you that if you are a business, freelancer or organization on social media, use it or lose it.

This question about an upcoming event went unanswered on a local business group’s Facebook Page. They just lost not only the person asking the question but those of us who land there and notice it was never answered.

There is no value in creating a social media account that you don’t use.  In fact, it can be downright frustrating for potential clients or donors to find your page or profile only to realize the lights may be on, but nobody’s home.  If you’re not going to commit the time and resources to provide information, updates and answering questions through your chosen social media platform what’s the sense of having a presence there?

Social Media Isn’t A Magic Carpet

Sure, social media is a proven way to grow your business or increase visibility for your brand. If you use it. A dead page gathering dust is worse than not having a presence at all.  Because it’s not a create a profile and watch them flock to it type of deal. Your newly minted social media page isn’t going to create its own buzz. It won’t magically create posts, grow an audience or increase whatever it is you’re looking to increase.

Be Prepared To Interact

Before you ever type your email into a social media sign up form be sure you’re ready to do the work to connect with others.  If your goal is to sell your services or products, be ready to talk about them, explain why the people in your target market would want or needs them and think of ways to encourage conversation with those you’re looking to sell to.  Be prepared to respond to questions quickly. There’s nothing more frustrating than to ask a question and not get an answer.

There are plenty of tools out there to help you.  Facebook has Page features and phone apps to help you easily monitor, post and respond. In fact, all social media platforms have phone and tablet apps. If time is hindering you from creating posts there are scheduling tools like Later and HootSuite or even an online tech consultant like me to help. You don’t have to devote hours upon hours a day to social media to reap the benefits, you just have to devote some time to it.

More Harm Than Good

You may not have given a second thought to that Facebook Page you started and only post to once a month to promote something, but you should have.  One of the reasons those business gurus recommend social media is because it can get you found online. Trust me when I say, no matter how long ago you created that Page, people are finding it. And if it’s dead, stagnant or dying, they are going to assume your business or organization is too.  It’s better to have no social media presence than one that makes it look like you don’t care or are no longer in business.

In order for social media to be a benefit to your business or organization, it has to be used. If you aren’t ready to learn the best ways to utilize it and follow through with action, you’re better off without it.  In the case of social media for businesses and organizations, it’s a case of use it or lose it.

Does your business or organization need help with social media? Wondering what platforms would work best?  Need assistance with scheduling or creating graphics for posts? I can help. Contact me today to discuss the best way to help you use social media to your advantage.