Social media is not going away, most likely it’s already staying at your house. In 2007, Web 2.0 manifested itself from concept to reality, and by doing so unleashed the social media phenomenon known as Facebook.
Facebook had existed for a couple of years, as had several other social media platforms which, restricted by the technology of the day, quickly died out. But with Web 2.0, the dynamics of online interaction had been perfected, and Facebook was in a key position to exploit them.
It didn’t take long to see where this new forum of public opinion was going, spurring an avalanche of other platforms with different social skills like Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube.
Today, the amount and type of social media platforms is staggering. Their impact cannot be dismissed; from the way we converse, eat, travel, date, shop – to even how we vote, social media has become the prismatic lens through which the world is viewed.
The 2007 web revolution not only birthed modern social media, but reincarnated websites, the abilities of which are far beyond what they were in 2006. Because of its dynamic structure, your site is now your most important marketing tool – which means it absolutely should integrate with your social media activity.
The synergy between your website and your social media should not be overlooked. They need each other, your business reputation will not be complete without both. Combined, they provide a perception of you and your business that would not be possible in separation. And this means more sales for you.
Are you running a promotion on Facebook? It should be showcased on your website. Or maybe you have some how-to videos on YouTube – your website should feature these as well.
Although integrating social media into your website will cost some money, it is well worth this small investment. Below are 4.1 reasons why:
- Be the boss. Anyone visiting your website is interested in your products or services, but may be hesitant in contacting you because they don’t see you as an authority in your industry. Integrated social media activity will showcase your commitment to your industry, and provide insight as to the depth of your knowledge and abilities – which can be enough to incite a visitor. Vice-versa, sharing blog articles on social media that are posted on your website will also contribute to your reputation and perceived expertise.
- It’s a simulcast. Although there will be some crossover, the audience that goes to your website and who encounters you on social media are different audience types. Each may have found an interest in what you have to offer for different reasons – not to mention the way they found you. But, both should be aware of what the other is seeing, or doing (like hiring you). With social media integration, you’re effectively doubling the amount of prospects who may turn into clients.
- Seeing double. Articles, promotions and other important information you post to your website or social media may not be seen by the other audience, which is inefficient at best, and lost revenue at worst. On the other hand, if you’re posting separately to social media and your website, it’s duplication of effort – and a waste of time. Social media integration solves both of these problems.
- Important findings. You may have heard of a search engine named Google. Google now includes your social media influence as part of your overall authority perception. From an SEO perspective, many social platforms are highly searched and will show strongly in rankings. If you’re doing an SEO campaign, social media integration is like a turbocharge to your efforts, giving you more bang for your buck by providing a stronger measure of your social influence.
And…
4.1) The current state of affairs. If you want your business to be successful, you need a marketing plan. If you’re implementing a marketing plan, social media is a vital part of it – it’s your online community, rife with people who want or need your products/services. To ignore it is to forego what’s going to help your business succeed.
Business success is definitely like Monopoly. Do you want to be the shoe or the race car? Get in the game.
