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In what feels like only a handful of years, social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter have become part of everyday life for many people. Quite suddenly, social networks have managed to transform the way we talk to each other, how we share information and even how we gather news. In fact the UK has embraced social media so whole heartedly, that 75% of the UK have a Facebook account and 50% log in every day. Although the majority of businesses are ‘dipping their toes’ in social media, many still don’t give it the high priority it deserves in a modern company.
What makes social media different to any other online business tool is that it’s instant and direct. Businesses can easily keep in contact with their customers, strengthen relationships by answering questions and show the personality of the company through posts. As more people join social networks and usage increases, customers are using social networks to discuss products and services they use. Increasingly, it is becoming a tool for people to interact with a brand they buy from or like, hence the importance of an active and well managed profile.
SWARM Marketing has been working with Dorset Chamber and its Members to get the best results from opportunities social media has to offer. Shirley Ewart says “working with SWARM has added value to the chamber membership by ‘opening up a new dialogue for our members to communicate with each other and promote their business’.
In 5 years time if your company is not using social media effectively you’ll be too far behind to catch up. Oliver Whittle, SWARM Director explains ‘some companies aren’t embracing social media as they should because they don’t think it fits their target audience, but people already expect companies to run active profiles and this expectation will only grow in the coming years’. No one would consider running a business in 2012 without an email address or mobile, social media has become just as indispensable to any successful business.
by admin