Two Peas in a Pod - Social Media and Small Businesses

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Social media has become a very significant part of our lives. It defines how integrated our social interactions have evolved over time. In getting involved with social networking platforms, it has helped the world connect and experience communications like never before. The use of social media is still sprouting rapidly and there is no denying the power and impact that it can have on the business of marketing.

Big Fresh Market - Fresh Fruit & Veg


Recently, I signed up to Twitter – not for personal reasons, but for my family’s business, Big Fresh Market (a fresh fruit & vegetable shop), to move with the social jive and stay relevant. Our business already has a Facebook page where we are currently on 2,521 likes.


My Experiences


To be honest, I am not very up to date with new social media platforms such as Instagram or Pinterest but Twitter isn’t just about sharing interesting links and pictures – they are communities where people from all around the world engage with each other and share their thoughts and opinions through a 140 character statement. In 2011, 73% of companies were active on Twitter and more than 80% of executives said social media led to increased sales. (Savitz, 2012) Here are a few things I have experienced from using a new social media tool:

    1. News: Twitter is a very fast paced environment where tweets give updates to consumers on significant specials and promotions related to our business. The availability on the social platform is so much more accessible and our tweets are passed around the community so efficiently fast
    2. Interaction: Twitter has furthered interaction by a very large scale where it allows users to keep in touch with the business more regularly and intimately. Therefore, developing a relationship, turning “followers” into customers.
    3. Marketing: Dynamics of marketing have been evolving. Rather than having chanel ads or billboards, companies are becoming more intimate with consumers over social platforms. To understand our businesses customer base, interacting through tweets allowed me to understand the needs of the market without having to spend the extra dosh.


Impacts of Social Media upon Businesses - Source


Keeping up with Twitter trends is very time demanding where different topics are trending. However, in my personal and humble opinion, it is the fastest way to spread news and ideas directly to each user. What do you think?


References