By Gail Z. Martin
For those who are planning to start their own business it is important that you develop a social media plan to promote your new business. NEJS asked Gail to provide some insight to common questions about social media practices.
My business is totally local. Why do I need to be on social media?
Your friends, neighbors and customers use social media to get information. For example, a local restaurant can post its blue plate special of the day or its soup du jour. An ice cream parlor can post its daily flavor. You can post photos from your recent events, special discounts only available on social media for your customers, and celebrate local heroes. If you do a community fundraiser, you can ask for donations, keep your friends/followers apprised of the progress, give results reports and even share photos and video. If you support a local project like a kids’ sports team, you can share photos and brag on the team’s progress. Social media also gives your customers a way to communicate with you. Ask questions, take surveys, run polls and get feedback. Social media can be as local as you are!
I run a non-profit. Is social media important for charitable organizations?
Absolutely. According to a recent study, 86% of nonprofits are using social media, and 30% of fund-raising is happening on either social media » Read more: Q & A: Why Do I Need Social Media?
