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
