#RelationshipsMatter – What is Relationship Marketing in Social Media?
While you may not realize it, as a business owner you rely heavily on relationship marketing. Every time you provide customer service or work to improve repeat business, you are using the concepts behind this popular type of business development. Instead of looking for short-term results, relationship marketing focuses on long-term interactions with your customers and clients.
At first thought, it may seem that social media is too transitory and ad hoc to help build and strengthen relationships, but think again. The truth is, social media is an ideal tool for incorporating relationship marketing into your strategy. Below are four of the most effective ways social media can be effective for relationship marketing.
Customer Service
For many businesses, social media is an excellent tool for providing quick and responsive customer service. The key is to be consistent and prompt. Effective customer service responses let your community know that you can be depended upon and that you’ll be there when they need you. Even better, the tool is interactive so you can really connect.
Customer Retention
Social media is all about engagement. When you engage with your customers, you get to know them better and engender trust. When your customers trust you, they continue to come back. When your followers share your content, it is almost as good as providing a testimonial.
Building Referrals
There is nothing quite like word-of-mouth advertising to help you build or grow your business. By working with your community, you can engender an environment that creates advocates. Nothing is much better than that.
Strengthening Relationships (partners and influencers) Employees
Relationship marketing is all about developing long term relationships rather than focusing on closing an individual sale or converting a single lead. That applies not just to your customers, but to your employees, partners, and influencers as well. Social media is that perfect tool for communicating, sharing, and interacting with all the people in your circle.
Social media is a great tool for making all kinds of connections, both transactional and long term. To be effective, your overall strategy should include both. If you’re not sure how to get started or you need a tune-up, this is the perfect time to take advantage of the Social Media Advisor’s social media analysis. That way you can get an objective look and detailed review of your social media presence. Now is the perfect time to get started.
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Hollie Clere of The Social Media Advisor is a “#BeAwesome” Developer, Social Media, Brand Builder, Content Manager, Trainer and Author in LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Blog, Google+, YouTube, Pinterest, Instagram, and the tools to manage them.
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