I often find myself wondering what life was like before social media, or more specifically what business was like. Whenever I want to find activities to do on a holiday, I search the town hashtag and bang I have hundreds of options. Whenever I need new clothes, I’m only a few taps away from being inspired by a multitude of online shops Instagram posts.
Social media has become synomous with global business success, particularly for online companies who can generate sales to customers all over the world. But how vital is it to local businesses?
My internship is at a local gym. Therefore thousands of followers are all well and good but if those followers aren’t in an area that can utilize a business’s service, then they aren’t all that effective. Or are they?
Studies have shown that accounts with a high following attract credibility and are attractive to online users because it suggests that they a) post good content or b) provide a valuable service or item. A high following also indicates a good level of awareness. And awareness can eventually translate into business. Whilst someone might not be looking for a gym right now, continuous exposure to the brand will make the particular gym a front runner if they do decide to start looking for a place to train.
I had been an ambassador for this gym before beginning my internship. Simply from posting photos training there I have managed to bring in around 30 members.
It amazes me how social media can be so influential which is why a companies online presence is imperative to its success
2 comments:
Hi Brittany,
I totally agree - I think every PR consultancy and organisation in general, need to incorporate social media as a high priority. Especially these days when every one can be a journalist online, the first point of news is generally social media.
Social media is also a great way of branding, this is something I feel as though my PR organisation lacked in - there was a lacking in social media skills.
It's interesting how much social media has affected the way businesses are run isn't it! The brand exposure and awareness it brings is almost limitless. However, I think there are a tonne of people out there who lack the knowledge of how to use their platforms effectively to bring in business. But that's what we're here for right?! It's great to see you've gained experience in using social media for business in your internship. While we probably all use it personally, it must be different to use it in a public relations context drawing from techniques we've learned throughout our degree- which is something I wish I had more of a chance to do during my internship. Hope you've enjoyed the rest of your experience there!
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