subject: Pros And Cons Of Use Of Social Networking Sites For Business Promotion [print this page] Whether anyone likes it or not, it is without a doubt that Social media has revolutionized the way we think, share information, build brands and connections. It has become a new trend in the work place, websites such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn offer free advertising and branding for a company or organization, but just like every promotional tool, social networking sites has its own pros and cons. So before investing in these social networking sites, every business enterprise should examine what will be better in their interest.
Here, are some of the benefits of using social networking sites for business promotion.
Relation with Customers
Social networking sites allow connecting with your customer and understanding their need and want. People love these sites because of the interaction and socializing platform they support. Companies can increase their relationship with the existing customer and make new ones by connecting with them and valuing there feedback. Biggest advantage of social networking is that you build connections first and sell later.
Brand Promotion
Social networking sites are good in building brand name of a company and eventually help in getting sales. The awareness of your brand by a user is itself important in reminding them about your company and its product and services.
Open Communication
With, the presence of social networking sites, it is possible to receive comments and feedback of customers and followers. Thus, creating a means of communication with the current client potential customer and society at large. Customers can post their experiences with your company on your page, which is one of the best types of adverting.
Cost
Many social networking sites are free to use and leave you in direct contact with the existing and potential customer. If the companies have a small budget, they can still purchase an advertisement packages that appear on social networking sites.
What makes social networking sites not that suitable for business promotion?
Time Consuming
Socializing takes times. Social networking requires a company to spend a fair deal of time on these sites. Nobody will find you interesting if you are not there. It is not for a day or two, it has to be consistent.
Balance between business and personal
Most people who visit social networking sites are for personal reason and leisure. And here you are, your ultimate goal is to sell your product and make them aware about your brand. Most of them may not be interested in buying then, but they can be interested in understanding and knowing about the product. Strike an appropriate balance by keeping the conversation entertaining without invading personal space of the members.
Targeting not good
There are so many social networking sites, and they serve so many different audience that it becomes difficult for companies to decide where to go, what to do and to what extent. If companies plan to use 3 to 4 sites this will prove to be extremely expensive, and time consuming to protect the interest active in all of them.
Social networking sites are extremely powerful tool. If they can cause name and fame to a brand, they can destroy that image for a silly mistake. Audiences are extremely effective in spreading a good or bad news about you, but they will deliver what you give them. So it is essential for companies to determine their objective, resources, and performance matrix.
