5 Reasons Social Media Should be in the 2011 Marketing Plan

Social media certainly is all the rage right now – but will it be in your 2011 Strategic Marketing Plan? If not, here are five reasons it should be:

1. Your customers are on social media. They have Facebook accounts, Twitter profiles, and Foursquare check-ins and are on Linkedin. If your business isn’t on them, you’re missing a prime opportunity to connect with your customers – and, more importantly, your potential customers.
2. Your customers make buying decisions based on what their friends and followers say on social media. A recent study completed by Pingdom and reported by HubSpot notes that advice is sought from colleagues or social media sites across all age groups. If you’re on social media, you can influence those purchasing decisions.
3. Your customers are looking for an opportunity to share you with their friends. If you’re on social media, you can give them that chance. Some of your customers are just looking for an opportunity to tell all their friends about their great experience at your business. With social media, they can do that easily by becoming a fan, follower, or checking in.
4. Your competitors are on social media. Remember in the early ’90s when someone came to you and said, “You’ve got to get a website,” and you thought, “Now, why on earth would I want one of those?” Today, you know the answer to that question. Social media is evolving but shows every indication it will become the mainstay that websites today have become. Getting in early will give you the first mover’s advantage here.
5. Budgets are tight – no kidding, right? Social media is a cost-effective, low-price-barrier investment for your company. Indeed, what you don’t spend on hard costs is often made up for by staffing costs. If your marketing firm is overworked, consider outsourcing social media to a third-party provider. (Shameless self-promotion: I’d recommend Paradux Media Group.) Even outsourcing your social media will be less expensive than you’re paying to be on one radio station monthly…in a small market.) Build it into your budget; you’ll be glad you did.

Whatever reasons you choose, the answer should be to include social media in your 2011 Strategic Marketing Plan. You owe it to yourself and your business to become proficient in this medium before it becomes required. Once you’re on social media, you can start reaping the benefits. Come on in; the water’s fine!