5 Reasons Why Small Businesses Should Use Social Media

The use of social media networking has exploded in popularity within the past few years. Facebook alone has an estimated 1.3 billion users, spanning across all parts of the globe. Even with this massive expansion and reach, some small business owners fail to realize the importance of social media; thus, leaving untapped customers for their competitors to nab. If you're still on the fence about using social media for your business, keep reading to learn 5 of the top benefits it has for small businesses.

Reason #1) Makes Your Business Easier For Customers To Find

One of the lesser-known benefits of social media networking for small businesses is that it helps customers find the business more easily. The old days of using a phone book are long gone. Instead, shoppers use the internet to find a store's physical address and/or phone number. Maintaining active accounts on all of the top social media networking accounts will prove an outlet for shoppers to locate this information about your business.

Reason #2) Reach New Customers

Of course, the single most notable benefit of using social media networking sites for small businesses is that it allows owners to reach out to new customers. Whether it's Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Pinterest or a combination of all the above, you're bound to attract new customers through social media.

Reason #3) Direct Contact With Customers

A third reason why small businesses should use social media networking is because it offers a medium for direct communication with their customers. If a customer has a question regarding a product or service, they can make a post on your social media account. And once you've responded to this question, other customers can refer back to this Q&A as well.

Reason #4) Shows Professionalism

Social media networking also shows a level of professionalism for small businesses. Customers are more comfortable making purchasing from small businesses that are actively engaged in social media over businesses that aren't engaged in social media. It's just one of the many techniques business owners can use to create a high level of professionalism.

Reason #5) Testimonials

Assuming your small business offers a quality product or service, you're bound to receive some positive customer testimonials by using social media. Customers will likely visit your social media accounts to make comments praising your business. This, of course, instills confidence among others potential shoppers and clients.