The world wide web breaks geographical boundaries. Even small businesses no longer run in remote territories. As brand repute and awareness transcend national and international boundaries, businesses can enhance the income generated from e-commerce applications. Social media sites can help businesses accomplish just that.
Social media websites are the focal point of online social networking activity – not just for the youth but even for a mature audience searching for honest testimonials for business products and services. Social networking is successful in creating a buzz about almost any topic under the sky. Businesses take advantage of this aspect to build customer relationships and increase revenue.
How do social media websites improve e-commerce efforts?
A clear advantage of unifying social media marketing with the promotion of ecommerce solutions is the effective placement of display ads. The additional advantage is the long-term influence on business revenue through brand management.
Social media websites are the perfect places for business marketers to attract prospects. Interested audiences click on display ads and land on the e-commerce website to buy products. These customers are part of communities that are the foundation of social media groups. Customers discuss the pros and cons of products, thereby contributing to brand awareness. It is the business’ job to monitor customer feedback and manage them.
Some ways social media networks can improve e-commerce development efforts are described below:
Display advertisements
Display advertisements are a great way to lure customers to an e-commerce website. Though, social media websites are getting cluttered with a spate of advertisements, businesses can target display ads effectively by observing social communities, their interests and choices, and rising niche audiences.
Engage customer interest
A social media website is ideally suited for conversations about products, demonstrations, and showcasing of expertise and quality. Businesses can involve customers from across the world and establish a powerful brand image.
Spreading brand awareness
Many businesses have been known to succeed through the word-of-mouth dissemination of brands. Social media networks work on the same pattern. A customer starts a thread on a product, other members join in and soon the brand becomes identifiable to a large number of people. If customers say complimentary things about a product, it can be the start of a loyal customer following. Studies indicate that happy customers often post constructive feedback on social media networks. Businesses can also motivate existing customers to spread the word with social networking.
Incorporating blogs into e-commerce websites
Companies should make blogs part of e-commerce websites to encourage product discussions and customer feedbacks. The blogs can be linked to social media websites for more effective placement and ranking of websites in searches. The business can be a part of the interchange to build a devoted customer base.
Monitoring social media websites
It is critical for businesses to monitor social media websites for any mention of the brand. Firefighting measures are needed in case the brand is flamed. An understanding and responsible approach towards discontented customers’ problems can change their view of the business. Businesses can also use the customer comments as a basis for upcoming product or service development.
Social media networks promote the presence of a business’ e-commerce solution to an international audience. Internet marketing teams can significantly raise the ROI from this revenue source by making social media websites part of their marketing campaigns.
Speak Your Mind