If you’re reading this you are probably using social media but not as much as you should be. That’s right, I said SHOULD be. Social Media has evolved in just a few years from something that was considered “fun” to a new form of business.

Think about it, how many people do you know that stopped paying for cable because they would rather use Netflix or social media? How many ads do you see a day when you’re scrolling along on Facebook or Instagram? Is there such a thing as a YouTube video without an ad ?

While cable TV cutting is increasing, social media usage is growing rapidly. Society’s attention has shifted and social media is this generations version of “television”.

Gaining attention means the opportunity to build brand awareness, attract new customers, and increase sales which is why social media is so important especially right now.

This is only the beginning and if you think it’s hard to grow on social media now, just wait a few years. Once big companies realize what’s happening they’re going to start putting the money used for commercials into facebook & instagram ads which means no more $10 promotions for small businesses. Our reach is going to shrink dramatically and we are no longer going to have the advantage we currently have in 2019.

In addition to being more discoverable by using social media, it also gives potential customers another way to interact & build trust with your brand. Potential customers may not purchase anything at all but allowing them to become familiar with your brand puts you one step ahead of the other businesses who aren’t leveraging social media.

On top of that, data from the influencer marketing platform MuseFind shows that 92% of consumers trust an influencer more than an advertisement.

If you aren’t familiar with influencers they are basically the celebrities of social media. They have small to large followings of people who trust their personal brand and opinion.

Working with influencers in similar niches can increase sales, drive traffic to your page, and build brand awareness. Smaller influencers will sometimes work in exchange for free product while some of the biggest influencers can range anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars.

If any of that wasn’t convincing enough, millenials are the next generation of consumers and if there’s one thing I know about millenials (considering I am one) it’s that they LOVE social media!

Unless you plan on retiring within the next few years, using social media is almost a MUST in order for your business/brand to have a future.