social media marketing | Social Media & The Small Business

Hey guys! I’ve decided to do a short series of posts dealing with the different options I discussed about social media in relation to small businesses in my post from last week. So in case you missed my last post, I’m linking it here. Each week, I will release a more comprehensive discussion, followed by a review of different services the following week. For now, until I get more information, I am going to do a quick review of some of the top services I’ve come across.* So, here is the second part in my multi-week series!

Last week, I discussed how email marketing was similar in concept to, but a more updated form of direct mail. Next week, I’ll provide a little more detail about this, but for now, I wanted to give a basic overview of the options available to small businesses

AWeber:

AWeber is a young company, having started its business in 1998. With 110 team members total, AWeber is a relatively small company, and perhaps even has a unique insight into some of the struggles faced by small business, considering. In terms of what this company offers your small business in marketing, the benefits include:

custom templates and sign up banners to match your business’ theme, color scheme, etc.
list management to group your clients/targeted groups together along identifiers
email performance tracking
plans start at $19 per month

Campaigner:

Campaigner is a solution that actually offers its services to both small businesses (beginners) and corporations (professionals). Campaigner promises small businesses email communication capabilities that are highly personalized with the intent of giving the customer on the receiver end that one-on-one feel. Campaigner has been in business for over a decade, and offers small businesses:

the chance to grow your customer base through email lists
over 600 email templates, plus the ability to customize your own
email reporting to help you manage the success of your campaign
auto-responses
plans that start at $10 per month with the option of a free 30 day trial to see if you like the services

Constant Contact:

Perhaps the most comprehensive of the three, Constant Contact encompasses more than just email marketing. Geared towards helping small businesses with self-promotion, Constant Contact offers personalized coaching in addition to email marketing services, social media marketing, event marketing, digital storefronts, a business listing platform, and online surveys of your customers. Plans start at $15 per month, and they also allow you to try their services for free for a short period (not sure how long, exactly). On the surface, this service seems to offer the most in terms of different ways to connect with your customers in today’s digital age.

Well, that’s all for now, folks. Quick update: I will be posting twice this week, since I wasn’t able to post last week (in fact, this was intended to be last week’s post). So look for part three of this series later this week; I’ll go into a little more detail about what exactly email marketing is and why it should be considered as a tool for small businesses to use. Please note, I am not endorsing one service or the other, as I do not personally use them myself. I chose these three businesses because they came up most in my search options. I can give a basic overview of a few more if y’all would like!

Until the next post…

Many small businesses either fail at using or underutilize a vital tool that, if used correctly, will greatly benefit these companies in the long run…social media. Given the technology landscape in our world today, it seems silly that some businesses opt out of or don’t take the time learn how to maximize their customer relationships through social media. There are many tools out there that can be used for small businesses to connect with their customers: email marketing, inbound marketing, and

Email Marketing Services

With the same concept as direct mail, email marketing is the direct mail’s brand new face lift procedure. The same benefits of direct mail exist, but along easier lines. Sending personalized emails, but to a wide range of people exists as a possibility. Without the need to print so many pieces of mail, the electronic aspect allows it to be a low-cost, but high-potential communication tool. This is a great option because many people do not not have emails, and, as is so common of many today due to the endless abilities of our mobile devices, check their emails from bed. A small business that keeps customers engaged through coupon offers, newsletters, personalized offers, etc. has a greater chance of keeping a happy cliental. (3 Small Business Marketing Tools Connect You with Better Customers).

Inbound Marketing

This form of marketing is a new concept that attracts a customer base through the production of online content. The cost is low, entry is easy, and it quickly gains the attention of people on the web. This form of marketing is new and uses content such as blog posts, social network updates, ebooks, etc. SmartInsights.com defines inbound marketing as “any tactic that relies on earning people’s interest rather than buying it.”

Mobile Apps

This one is pretty self-explanatory. There are many services out there that allow for small businesses to create apps that engage their customers with rich features and impacting user experience for relatively low costs. Apps are a great way to reach potential customers because a majority of people either use smartphones, interactive mp3 players, or have access to computers with the ability to download apps.* Apps offer people a condensed but inclusive overview of what a business is about, what it offers to its customers, the vibe of the company, and so many other characteristics.

With all that is available in today’s technology age, small businesses have more options than ever to reach a customer-base and help their businesses succeed. Many businesses opt out of the social media landscape because they don’t want to take the time to understand it, or they do not have the funds to spend on extras while they are trying to keep a budding business afloat. While cost is a legitimate concern, there are many cheap and free outreach options that businesses can utilize to maximize on people who are out there but may not be aware of the business.

*I am speaking specifically from the viewpoint of someone who lives in America.