What Types of Businesses Can Benefit from Social Media Marketing?

March 24, 2014 by Thomas von Ahn

Think social media is just for college students, moms, and businesses with big budgets? Think again! Businesses of all types have fallen in love with social media and are successfully marketing their businesses on social networking sites such as Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram. Virtually any business can carve out a niche for itself in the ever-evolving social landscape. Below are just a few of the many possibilities.

• Real Estate Agents – Real estate agents have a social job to start with, making social media a fantastic platform for interacting with buyers, sellers, and investors. Not only that, video and photo sharing are a natural fit for showing prospective buyers the latest listings. At the same time, buyers and sellers alike are likely to share listings with their own networks. This translates into greater visibility, word-of-mouth advertising, and potential referrals. Meanwhile, sharing informative content is a great way to showcase your expertise and build credibility.

• Non-profit Organizations – Non-profits and charities can spread their messages across social media, raise funds, and rally support. In addition, many social media users show their support for their favorite causes by sharing inspirational stories. When stories go viral, charities may get more “likes” and followers as well as new donations.

• Artists – Musicians are regularly “discovered” on YouTube while photographers and fine artists often turn to Instagram to share their talents. Other popular social networks with artists include Pinterest and Etsy, an online marketplace for handcrafted goods.

• Freelancers and small businesses – Freelance writers, web designers, graphic designers, photographers, and virtual assistants often turn to social media sites to build credibility, showcase their portfolios, interact with potential customers, and find gigs. The same is true of small business owners and other “solopreneurs.”

• Mom and Pop Shops – Of course Target and Home Depot have social media profiles, but what about Bob’s Sandwich Shop or Martha’s Quilting Supply? If you own a mom and pop shop, it’s time to get socially savvy! After all, your customers are likely social media users. Getting followers could be as simple as asking them to “Like” you on Facebook as you ring up their orders. You could even make it easy by handing them a coupon with a QR code that takes them to your Facebook page. Reward your followers with special promotions, exclusive discounts, and engaging content.

• Beauty Salons – Keep your clients coming back for more by nurturing those important relationships after they leave the salon. Ideas for engaging your fans include photo contests, special promotions, and informative hair and beauty content. An example of a photo contest might involve before and after “selfies.” Imagine the promotional boost your salon would receive if all of your clients posted and shared photos of their makeovers!

Clearly, social media isn’t just for big businesses with huge marketing budgets – it’s for any business that wants to connect with its customers on a more personal level. How are you making those connections?

Thomas von Ahn | Chief Elephant Slayer | Viral Solutions LLC

Watch out elephants! This slayer of business challenges comes with 30 years of record breaking sales, marketing, operations, training and leadership experience . He has worked face-to-face with 100’s of small business owners as well as large firms. His love of creating, communicating, developing and executing results for clients shines with each project, publication and training event. His entrepreneurial spirit, passion, industry experience, education, problem-solving prowess, charismatic personality and been-there-done that attitude leads his client focused approach.

Filed Under: Social Media Tagged With: brand awareness, facebook, facebook demographic, facebook like gates, facebook power editor, grosocial, groviral, infusionsoft, likes and dislikes, marketing strategy, marketing tactics, social care, social media, social media analysis, social media strategy, social website

About Thomas von Ahn

With more than 30 years of experience in B2B sales across various industries, Thomas has unique insight into both the offline and online sales sphere. It was during his time in the trenches that Thomas noticed a recurring theme: Though business owners are knowledgeable about their craft or trade, they often struggle to market and sell to their prospects. This realization is what prompted Thomas and his now business partner, Christine, to bring Viral Solutions to life. Since starting the company, Thomas has been able to assist countless business owners in developing a solid marketing plan based upon sound marketing strategy, then assigning the marketing tactics to a team of talented employees, and, finally, watching those actions unfold—his true passion.

Though Viral Solutions is on Thomas’ mind 24/7, he does occasionally take a break to cheer on the Green Bay Packers and enjoy his adopted home of Wisconsin. Much of his family also works at Viral Solutions, and this closeness with family and employees is the cornerstone of the Viral Solutions culture.