James Blog

Is Social Media right for your Business?

    I just had a phone call to interview me about the use of Social Media for our business, and this got me thinking about the benefits and reasons that it makes sense to embrace Media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, blogging and other forms of media.

    After answering a couple of questions, I realised that Social Media, like this blog or the Jenlist Facebook page, actually target an audience that are interested in what you have to say or offer. That's one of the great things about inviting people to "like" your Facebook page, or follow your blog or Twitter feeds. People have a choice. If they choose to follow you then they are interested in the things you have to say or the products and services you may be offering.

It's about giving people choice. Then the challenge is to keep your followers and readers interested in the things you want to say.

How does this work in retail? I believe Facebook is a great place to start and  thousands of retailers have a unique opportunity to get their customers to follow them on Facebook. My idea is that you should have a "live" computer in store, and ask people to like you on Facebook while they are shopping in your store. You can offer an incentive, to sweeten the deal, like a free gift or a 10% discount on toady's purchase. Something simple makes sense.

Then what? Posting to Facebook is easy, and with practice you soon learn that the time to do so is relatively little. I think it is wise to keep your posts as relevant and focussed as possible.

What to Post?  Posting something like "we are open 7 Days" or Come in and browse our range" has little effect and creates no interest. Better you try and focus on a red hot special, or remind your customers that it is a $30 Million dollar Lotto night. Maybe you have just got a new product or range in and would like to share that with your customers. Being a local retailer means you can also use local events to make your posts interesting and relevant. Maybe a staff members birthday, or information about an upcoming event in the community. What about sporting results of the local Football team you sponsor?

One thing is for sure, if you think it is time to start using Social Media in your business, you're right !