A brand’s social media profile is a way of engaging with valuable connections and potential customers. Every marketer worth their salt knows that this tool cannot be ignored.

54% of social browsers use social media to research products. More buyers are joining social media networks and looking for reviews and recommendations than ever before. These days, the customer is savvy. That is why it is essential for a business to have professional profiles that are maximising results.

We have outlined the 8 most important reasons why a social media profile is essential to any business.

1. Brand Awareness
If people don’t know about a business, they can’t become customers. Social media boosts visibility among potential customers.

2. First Impressions Count
Customers are increasingly more discerning about which businesses they support. Before making a decision, they’ll do a quick search on social media. Will they find an empty page or a rich source of information? Setting up strong profiles will build a brand’s authority and make a positive first impression. It also shows that a business is trustworthy, knowledgeable, and approachable.

3. Brand Personality
Customers want to connect, not just be sold to anymore. They aren’t interested in businesses that publish dry, corporate-style social media posts. A brand’s personality should shine through in everything they share on social media. Followers want to see real people behind a brand so that they can form emotional connections behind their choices to support or reject the brand offers.

4. Competition
Competitors are out there for brands to see and learn what to improve upon and what to avoid. If brands keep up to date with what the competition is doing, they can have a significant advantage over them. That is because the information gathered will enable them to make necessary adjustments and improve social media marketing strategy. A good profile is essential from both sides. It must be engaging and relevant for customers but must also always be 1 step ahead of the competition.

5. Support Channel
Social platforms have successfully broken-down barriers between companies and their customers. Now, instead of calling a customer service line, many people turn to a brand’s profile to solve problems or find information. Every business should aim to develop a reputation as a responsive, caring brand by offering support through social channels. A profile with neglected comments and complaints portrays the image that the business does not care about its customers.

6. Recommendations are Key
71% of consumers who have had a positive experience with a brand on social media are likely to recommend the brand to their friends and family. It’s well worth a brand’s time to ensure every interaction is a positive and supportive one to ensure the customer will want to refer the business as these referrals are the most trusted.

7. Conversions
77% B2C and 43% of B2B companies have acquired clients from Facebook.
With more people coming to a business’s website via Social media, there is a higher chance that conversion rates will be higher. Brands can use their Social Media profiles to spread exclusive offers and discounts in an effort to increase conversions even further.

8. Measurable Success
Most social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram offer great reports to analyse Social Media activity. These reports will help brands analyse the effects their profile is having and provide useful and actionable insights.

If you feel your social media profile needs some help, allow a team of professionals to step in getting you on the right track.

If you’re struggling to get started with your social media marketing services, organise a call with Nicole to find out how we can help you develop and implement a social media marketing strategy, that showcases your brand on the platform, that’s right for you.