3 Reasons Not to Rely on Social Media for Marketing
If there was ever a way to get a dramatic gasp out of people, it’s like this. Yes, our blog title is a little controversial, especially since we are currently living through the greatest digital revolution, but we promise we aren’t just saying this for its shock factor, or even link clicks. Instead, we’re assessing whether or not social media platforms really are the only (and best) way to market your business.
Let’s find out, shall we?
We’ve gone rogue
It may seem a little odd that a digital marketing agency is questioning how much companies should rely on social media. However, if anything, this proves how truly objective we can be, but also the idea that digital marketing does not start and end with social media. It’s a lot more robust and holistic than that. When you are deciding to take your company to the virtual world, there are so many avenues to take –especially when it comes to your marketing efforts.
Now, let the record show that I am by no means bashing social media. It is CRUCIAL that your business has a social media presence, but its also important that its nott he only place that your presence exists. Your clients are everywhere, which means you need to be everywhere too.
That being said, let’s look at why you shouldn’t rely on social media for your business.
Reason #1: You don’t own the platform
While you may have created your social media account, created a password for it and even chosen your username, you do not actually own the space. Once your content is up on social media, it’s no longer yours. In a matter of minutes your content or page could be banned, restricted or even penalized.
The reality is that while you do have a certain level of control, you are at the mercy of the social media platform. They ultimately have the final say on what you can post, when you can post and if it meets their social media criteria. You are fighting an algorithm you didn’t create.
Reason #2: App shutdowns happen
I am pretty sure you haven’t forgotten how this year Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp were all down for a number of hours. Millions of dollars were lost, thousands of campaigns were derailed, and social media managers across the globe were in an absolute state of panic. In a blink of an eye any plans to market your business were completely derailed.
Putting all of your focus on social media means that you are always on edge in the event that there is a shutdown of these social apps. Diversifying where you market your business means that should social media apps be down; you can still make use ofs everal other platforms.
Reason #3: People are actually using search engines
Do you remember how earlier I mentioned the importance of being wherever your clients are? Well, it’s important to remember that most consumers start with a search engine. When people are scrolling through social media, they aren’t looking to be force fed a bunch of ads. Statistically, more than 90% of online experiences start with a search engine like Google.
So why not meet your potential audience there by focusing on your website and ranking highly on Google? This way your business immediately comes up as a potential solution for whatever pain point that they have.
With all of this being said, social media is still a great way for you to interact with your audience, drive brand awareness efforts and build a community. Just make sure that when you are creating digital strategies you incorporate other platforms too such as your website, Google ads and so much more. That way your approach to your audience is intriguing, holistic and most importantly diversified.
