Cultivate Community via Social Media

Small businesses recognize the power of small gestures, thus cultivating customer loyalty and strengthening relationships by focusing on individuals.

 

As social media makes its mark, small businesses are using this emerging channel to listen to their customers and develop these relationships further, according to marketing consultancy 1to1 Media.

Small businesses carry a more personalized feel that larger companies can’t quite recreate, says Victor Ho, co-founder and CEO of loyalty program provider FiveStars.

While large companies have the ability to employ a full social team, their efforts often appear generic. Small businesses are able to bridge the gap between online and offline feedback by converting social chatter into real-life relationships.

But while many small businesses know social is an invaluable tool, they’re unsure how to structure their strategy and measure their success effectively.

“Work to build out,” says Jason Kocina, president of Checkerboard Strategic Web Development. “With every person you touch, make sure they stay connected and engaged. Customers have the capabilities to share their experiences, so take care of them.”

Small businesses that have implemented customer-driven social media programs offer these tips:

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