We’re what you would consider a classic, full service marketing agency. Not quite like the three martini lunch creatives at Sterling Cooper, but we believe that face-to-face business is the best way to create long-lasting client-agency relationships. We’ve been in business for more than 15 years and maintain several relationships abroad where we often make the 15-hour roundtrips in order to keep these relationships flourishing. So why is it that we’re just now jumping on the social media bandwagon? Easy, the data speaks for itself.
Besides the fact that in the US, Facebook has over 149 million users with 70% of them logging in once a day ¹ and that Twitter users are sending one billion tweets in a week ², social media accounts for 25% of all time spent online ³. Those are significant numbers and with the increase in availability, affordability and user-friendly interfaces, these numbers will grow rapidly. Best of all, these incredible outlets of information are free and extremely powerful if used properly.
Here’s a few more astounding facts derived from a recent Universal McCann² study:
- 71% of social media participants say they are more likely to purchase from a brand they follow online
- 66% of social media participants note that participation with brands online has made them more loyal to those brands
- 63% of social media participants state that they will recommend these brands to their friends and associates
- Ford’s 2011 Explorer launch on Facebook generated a 200% greater return than a Super Bowl ad.
Not only will social media enforce and strengthen your brand identity, but it will keep you connected all around the world with a click of a button – leading to potential clients, employees, and partnerships. So, now you’re saying, “Ok, great, but who has time for this?” That’s a valid concern. Many of us wear multiple hats and are already pulling 60-hour weeks, but there are a few options that should be considered.
- Hire an in-house social media specialist – Money may be tight, but this investment will reap big rewards. Having this outlet of communication is vital to reaching the online generation, as well as making professional contacts all over the world. An in-house specialist will be able to give your brand an accurate voice and personality which will provoke authentic conversations with fans and followers. People know when they are being sold to, and they don’t like it. Being genuine and personable is the only way social media will be effective.
- Hire an outside social media consultant – You’ll want to be careful with this option as many so-called, “experts” have developed over the years claiming guarantees that they cannot keep. Alas, there are also legit companies and individuals that can get your company’s profile set up and educate team members on proper social media rules and etiquette. Consultants can also help post quality and relevant content and gather unique followers. Just make sure you do your homework with this option!
- Do it yourself! – This option is obviously the best option, as the boss can control what messages are being put out and can network with followers on a personal level. The downside to this, of course, is that the boss is already overwhelmed with running all the other aspects of the business. With the loss of attention, the social media sector will start to fall through the cracks and become a useless feat.
Regardless which decision is best for your company, the key is to start. Start somewhere. Register for an online webinar, contact your business pals and ask for advice, pick up a how-to book, or simply search for an experienced individual or company to hire.
Advent is proud to report that we’re on board 100% with social media and want to connect with you. We’re all about helping one another and making our business and community a more connected, prosperous place. Like us, follow us, connect with us, or even stop by and say hello (we like that!).
Let’s be friends!
(2) Social Media Facts for Business Owners
(3) Nielsen