Building Businesses via Social Media, It’s Not as Easy as It Used to Be

There is a long list of businesses that have built successful brands by taking advantage of social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram. Through millions of followers and user-generated content, these entrepreneurs have grown businesses with millions in sales. Their secret? They jumped at the opportunities these platforms presented before anyone else even noticed the potential.

With larger companies now on the scene, things have become much more expensive and complicated for small businesses and startups. Gone are the golden days of building a major direct-to-consumer brand via Facebook or Instagram and scaling with lightning speed. Digital competition has quickly increased, costs have gone up and scaling as fast as you could in the past is much more difficult. In general, the channels these businesses used to be successfully are not as efficient or easy to use.

In the past few years, Facebook and Instagram surpassed all other forms with their ability to access a large number of potential consumers (targeted by their demographics) at relatively low cost. Even more helpful, these platforms allowed businesses to assess what advertising was working and what was not. As with any success, it has brought more competition and higher prices. If startups want to use these channels to build their brand, they have to work harder than businesses did previously and smarter (better yet, get a business cash advance to boost your marketing efforts).

If your business is a startup or you simply missed the “golden moment” for Facebook and Instagram marketing, it isn’t too late to take advantage of social media. Consider the following social media tips:

1. Branding, Branding, Branding

It might seem obvious to point to branding as the key, but it is vital. When navigating Instagram and Facebook was easy and straightforward, many businesses that only devoted half of their efforts to branding could still be overwhelmingly successful. That is no longer possible. As you focus on branding, make sure you place great emphasis on the visual. Memorable brands are consistent across all channels, both in color and design.

2. Choose the Right Networks

With new social media apps being added daily, it can be tempting to try and jump on as many as you can. The key to gaining traction and making progress is to find social networks that align with your brand’s image and goals. For example, LinkedIn would be the best option for a manufacturer since it is a B2B network that attracts business owners vs. Tumblr, which reaches out to teens.

3. Focus on Developing Your Voice

Whether your business communicates through Tweets, Facebook or Instagram, it is critical that all your posts reflect your brand’s personality. Your voice will consist of three main elements: your company culture, your audience and authenticity. Consumers today want to know your “why”, your purpose. Every post you make and hashtag you use needs to communicate and reflect your company culture.

Author Bio: Business Funding expert, Nathan Hale, founded First American Merchant with his eyes set on helping the backbone of our country, small business owners. His passions include writing/producing music, and travel. First American Merchant is America’s Best get a business cash advance company, serving both traditional and high-risk Businesses.