4 Misconceptions (Busted) Businesses Have About Social Media

Some social media stats to start with: Over 70% of B2C marketers have acquired new customers through Facebook and about 67% of twitter users prefer buying from a brand they’re following on Twitter?

Well, flashy statistics like these compel new businesses to take social media as a magic pill to expand their customer base and enjoy all benefits of social media for business. Interestingly, there comes some myths along.

Social media marketing is a time intensive process and any misunderstanding about the purpose may lead to loss of time and result in huge disappointments within businesses which otherwise may have winning opportunities with social selling. There’s another extreme as well – some businesses think their audience is not on social media so it’s not for them. I was asked these questions in several business events and I found some of these common social media misconceptions I would love to bust here.

Social Media Is for Businesses With Mostly Youth as Target Market

That’s a misconception. Some latest studies have confirmed that a whopping 56% of online users are 50 years or older, and they all use Facebook. A 2014 study confirmed that more than 67% of women aged 18-29 are on Facebook, and to keep up with them, interestingly, their parents are online too.  Imagine the stats in 2015. That makes sense, right?

It is 2020 now. Now, have a look at these social media stats for 2020 that are larger and massive.

Social Media is Useless if Your Target Audience isn’t There

You either have your audience on a social network to engage or you create your identity on social networks and they find you as the audience grow.

Not all businesses target market will be on social networks. And if they are, they may not be in substantially huge numbers. However, being there even for a niche close audience is great. And you become one of the best social listeners. Practically, users on social networks are growing every day and if you don’t have your target market on these networks today, you will have it tomorrow. It’s better to prepare this foundation today instead of then competing with others.

Secondly, even when your target demographic is not using social media, you can still take advantage of Facebook, Twitter, and other platforms to improve your visibility in search engines. This will indirectly help you connect with your target audience who may or may not be using social media but may find you in search. Why not let your prospects find you via search engines and you even motivate them to sign up on such social networks.

You Need to be on Every Social Media Platform

This one tops all misconceptions. There are several verticals with huge target markets online, however, it’s wise to look at your resources and your abilities to offer value with a focused choice and focused social media strategy. Unless you have a big and dedicated social media team and big budgets, pick the network where most of your prospects hang out PLUS also interested in hearing about your products and services.

You Get Instant Results

Oh, you wish! Unfortunately, that’s not the case. It takes time to develop a positive social media image. You’d better take it as a marathon, not a sprint.

Social selling works on KLT model where you may take 1-2 months to create awareness, 2-3 months to earn their time to listen and like you. And then 2-3 months to earn their trust and be on top of their mind to seek your product and services.

You will get benefits only when you build positive relationships through posts and tweets and then back them with reap product and service performance.

Every social network has great potential, but you need to learn how to do things right, how to manage your campaign, and how to have realistic expectations while busting the myths. That’s the recipe to success!

Did you have any social media question related to your business? Share here. Or if you’re struggling to leverage social networks for your business benefits, I would be happy to help. Start with a simple question!

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