Why you should Tweet, Poke, and Connect!

Social Media isn’t just a personal choice anymore! Individuals around the world have enabled professional profiles on the web and companies have followed suit. What was once considered private and company unique can now be viewed 24/7 by any individual with internet access. Companies have taken advantage of Social Media sites such as Facebook, Twitter, and Linkedin. One reason for this is because that’s where their customers are. According to statistics, Facebook has over 400 million users, 35 million of which log on and change their status daily.
Currently, “more than 79% of the Fortune Global 100 companies in the US are using at least one of the most popular social media platforms to actively engage with stakeholders”. According to similar statistics, more than 1.5 million local businesses have active pages on Facebook. Considering this number, it can be assumed that most companies have accepted the social media craze and joined the generation. This assumption is, however, wrong.
While 1.5million may seem large, there are currently 13million US companies, leaving the percent of those currently using social media at 8.6%. Less than you expected?
If Social Media is so beneficial, why are only such a small fraction of US companies taking advantage of it? While the reasons are subject to change based on the individual company, the end effect is the same: an excuse; “We’re too busy”, “I don’t know how” or “Why should I?” are popular responses.
It’s no secret as to why your company should be tweeting, poking, connecting, etc.: profitability. Social Networking is an immense source of profit for your company. Every action done on a company’s page is a direct link to the company website, diverting huge amounts of traffic to the company’s advantage.
While social networking sites have become a daily part of an individual’s life, online activity in general has as well. The trend of buying and selling online is becoming popular among all age groups from all parts of the world. Having a large social network through social networking sites serves to be very beneficial. Social Networking Sites such as Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, etc. are your prime target to lure customers not only to your website, but also to your product. With more connections, “friends”, or followers, you are reaching more of your target audience.
Peter Delgrosso, strategic vice-president for corporate communications with Web.com, states, “When used properly, [Social Networking] is something that can gain your business some attention”.
Therefore, to benefit from not only actively being on social networking sites, but also from large social networks, companies should invest time in creating vigorous e-marketing campaigns with social networking sites as a major resource in their online presence.
Ben Thibeault, Linkedin’s North East Account Executive put it best when he said, “Create a Linkedin account, follow some simple instructions and Linkedin will thrust you far beyond what is possible through years of traditional networking and relationship building”.

Blog Posed by: Anne Dammel, Marketing Coordinator, CPS (908) 704-1550 ext. 21adammel@completepersonnel.com