Social Media is NOT a Question; It's an Operating Cost ? SnapApp ...

If your business is online you need social media ? end of story. Why? It?s the same reason brick and mortar retail stores have sales associates on the floor ? if you?re open, someone needs to be there. A recent study found that 60% of consumers worldwide expect brands to respond on social media channels when questioned. Another study found that 88% of respondents would be considerably less inclined to buy from a brand with unanswered questions or comments on its Facebook page. As consumers expect more and more from brands across social media channels, the question of investing in social media becomes less and less of a question, and more of a consideration on what your social media operating cost should be.

If you?re still not convinced or still very much anti-social? media, here are a few key points on why you need to consider social media as a vital part of your business.

You have less necessary necessities: Most companies have a conference room in every office building and a phone at every desk, yet the conference room may not always be in use and the phone may not always be ringing. Like conference rooms and desk phones, social media channels may not always be facilitating communications, but because your network may try to reach you there, you need to be available.

It?s the new normal: According to a survey conducted by Brandwatch, 75% of brands surveyed use Twitter effectively as both an engagement and broadcast channel. Another report shows that 90 of the world?s top 100 brands use Facebook. To put this in perspective, it took nearly sixty years for the telephone to reach a 90% adoption rate in US households since its invention. This rapid integration of social media into business practices is a clear indication of its popularity and utility. What?s more, given these staggering numbers, it?s clear there?s no turning back ? social media has cemented its place in business communications.

There are no social media silos: You may have separate marketing, sales, customer service, public relations, etc. divisions, but social media touches all departments. Marketing seems to be the most obvious, but good social media marketing can drum up leads on social media channels, and social savvy sales people need to pick up on these buying signs. Likewise, customer service requests now often come through social media, but when handled well, customers can be converted into social media advocates. Even the C-suite is expected to be socially involved! When major industry news happens, the audience expects a real-time response from industry leaders.

These are just a few points, but love it or hate it, social media has become an integral part of modern business. People are communicating, chatting, and sharing content on a level the world has never known before, so when it comes to social media, the only real question is ?how can we be a part of the conversation??

Are you looking to be a part of the conversation? Find out how the SnapApp engagement platform can get people talking about your brand by contacting us or for more information, check out our resources page.?

Source: http://blog.snapapp.com/social-media-is-not-a-question-its-an-operating-cost

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