As a Columbus Ohio website design firm, we also keep up on social media and the changes it's going through because we've been offering it for our clients.

Why social media works

This is, of course, assuming you're doing it well. And the way to do it wrong is to talk about yourself too much, or making your conversations too sales focused.

Like any marketing effort, if you start out doing a poor job with your social media, no one will care about your ongoing efforts at social media.

It's the same with any ongoing communication, whether it is e-newsletters, websites or social media.

There was an article in Forbes recently titled "7 Reasons You Need To Be Using Social Media," which we agreed with, and are offering an overview here.

It's immediate

Assuming you have someone monitoring your social media, it is a much easier way to respond to someone whether it's:

• a problem, or
•  an inquiry (we've had a home builder client who had an inquiry and it was 24 hours form when a question was asked till a meeting was set up!)

Of course, now almost everyone under 30 expects an answer immediately when they post on your Facebook page.

It's more personal

Your audience knows they're dealing with individuals, more so than the corporate entity.

This gives your customer a more personal feeling because this type of communication is more informal. Plus, there's no auto-generated response, which helps keep things more conversational.

It's more public

So, in this instance, it might (or might not) regulate the tone of someone if they're upset, knowing the world can see their communications.

It can also work by making your response more transparent so the world can see how you handle problems, issues, or those just looking for an answer.

It helps with SEO

The more you post ,and potentially point someone back to your site for more information, the more it helps with SEO.

Also, people mentioning your company by name or product by brand doesn't hurt when it's added to the conversation for search.

Social users share

Assuming you offer a good experience, users of social media are more likely to share their experiences online. Of course, more people share bad experiences on social media than good experiences, but hey lets assume your customer's experiences will all be good!

Simplicity

Customers hate to be passed around, and they like being responded to in the same medium they reach out. So as long as your social media response is to call your 800 number, and you work towards alleviating an issue, communicating through social media is a win-win.

If you'd like to chat about how we can help you with social media, drop us an email so we can start the conversation.