Did you see the research noting consumers are be more likely to shop and spend money with independent businesses if those businesses did a better job of marketing themselves on social media sites? Consumers are more likely to visit independent businesses that do more to market themselves on social media, according to recent research by energy company Npower.
According to Npower’s research, 34% of consumers say they follow one or two local small businesses on Twitter or Facebook; however, this could rise to 70% if small businesses encouraged consumers to interact with them on social media.
While the 18-24 market is more likely to follow small businesses on social media than any other age group, however more than half of consumers in the ‘over 55’ age group surveyed said they would like to follow local businesses if they knew where to find them and if they were incentivized. This represents a HUGE opportunity for independent businesses to get ahead of their larger rivals.
Rachel Vincent, Head of Customer Service for SME business at Npower noted, “Small businesses need to get in on the action. Whether that means bars and restaurants tweeting about drinks promotions and their special of the day, or local cafes offering a discount code for Facebook fans, every independent business can benefit from marketing their services on social media.”
But if you’re not used to it social media can be daunting AND time consuming. And, even worse, it can be hard to see a return. So little wonder those busy running independent businesses can lose heart. There are plenty of professional social media managers who an help, and with the right approach, social media can provide a compelling return on the investment of time and low cost marketing tasks.
Did you see the research noting consumers are be more likely to shop and spend money with independent businesses if those businesses did a better job of marketing themselves on social media sites? Consumers are more likely to visit independent businesses that do more to market themselves on social media, according to recent research by energy company Npower.
According to Npower’s research, 34% of consumers say they follow one or two local small businesses on Twitter or Facebook; however, this could rise to 70% if small businesses encouraged consumers to interact with them on social media.
While the 18-24 market is more likely to follow small businesses on social media than any other age group, however more than half of consumers in the ‘over 55’ age group surveyed said they would like to follow local businesses if they knew where to find them and if they were incentivized. This represents a HUGE opportunity for independent businesses to get ahead of their larger rivals.
Rachel Vincent, Head of Customer Service for SME business at Npower noted, “Small businesses need to get in on the action. Whether that means bars and restaurants tweeting about drinks promotions and their special of the day, or local cafes offering a discount code for Facebook fans, every independent business can benefit from marketing their services on social media.”
But if you’re not used to it social media can be daunting AND time consuming. And, even worse, it can be hard to see a return. So little wonder those busy running independent businesses can lose heart. There are plenty of professional social media managers who an help, and with the right approach, social media can provide a compelling return on the investment of time and low cost marketing tasks.