If you are not actively using social media as part of your overall marketing plan then you are losing precious business to your competitors who already have a presence. Platforms like Facebook and Twitter have leveled the playing field for small businesses. It’s less about spending all your time and money and more about fully engaging with your customers; making it easy for them to tell others.
Proper social media strategies are imperative for survival in the increasingly digital world. It’s time to find out how to lead the way in order to amplify your brand and gain new customers. Social media consultant and director of new market development for Constant Contact, Ron Cates picks apart what works, what doesn’t and why in order to make the best impression.
Bar and nightclub owners have plenty of concerns when it comes to social media and they may think that it looks really interesting, but they’ll never have a million fans or using new marketing tools sounds great, but you don’t know what to say on social media. Reading what’s being said on social media sounds useful, but I don’t have a dedicated staff to do it or I hear about new tools and networks every day, but I don’t have the time to stay current.
These concerns are legitimate however “the impact that social media has on your bar or nightclub is huge and can drive people to your door; influencing them to spend money,” says Cates. Take these stats for example:
- 14% of consumers trust ads
- 55% of consumers share their experience on social media
- 72% of customers chose a restaurant or bar based on what their friends share on Facebook
- 78% of consumers trust online reviews even if it’s from a stranger
- 84% of consumers trust online reviews if someone they know
- 90% of yelp users trust other yelp reviews
Keeping these statistics in mind, it’s safe to say that social media audience engagement is the new word of mouth marketing. However, “if you want social media to work for you, you have to create a WOW experience,” says Cates.
Think about all the ways you interact with your customers. “What’s something you can do for them that’s valuable? It doesn’t have to be anything huge or expensive. A WOW experience could be something small and meaningful. A very simple way to rise above the ordinary could be in the way you greet them at the door. You do, however, need to help your business think about the spots where you’re going to do something that really creates a connection.”
The reason you want to create a WOW opportunity is to get their attention, create a connection, and then ask them to stay in touch with you. And the best way to stay in touch with your customers and market your business is through social media engagement.