Lifelong Commitment to Social Media

Gary Vaynerchuk’s Take on Customer Service in the Time of Social Media

Social media, according to Gary Vaynerchuk, needs a long-term commitment, not a one-night stand with immediate gratification. When entrepreneurs go into social marketing, they should not expect huge returns on investment as soon as they first create their Facebook, Twitter or Google+ company page. Like any relationship, an entrepreneur should nurture open and communicative dealings with customers to establish their presence online.

In fact, Vaynerchuk says one must go Jetsons and venture into social media, the future marketplace. Combine it with Flintstones’ attitude to small-town values on business-customer relations, and entrepreneurs are well on their way to success. Not paying enough attention to customer service online will make it hard for business to make it on social networking.

Things were easier in the old days when people set up their business. They strive to connect with customers who come to their store and take care of these customers well so they will keep coming back. Satisfied customers will spread the good word about your store. Soon enough, you’ll have a steady, regular clientele to serve every day.

Getting customers is different with social media. You cannot easily win customers with the usual smiles, greetings and how-can-I-help-yous in online interaction. To win them over, you’ll need the following: (1) a well-designed website, (2) customer-friendly networking pages, and (3) an engaging blog. You need to update your pages with quality content at least three times a week to continue charming customers. Not updating can mean failure for your web marketing strategy. The long and short of it is, you have to invest time, money, and effort in social media.

Giving social networking less than 100% commitment can draw losses for your campaign. A short-term commitment will not provide you the customer base you want to achieve. For example, you set up a social media page and neglect it after a while. Customers who got interested in your initial campaign will be disappointed and move on to another business, which might be your competitor.

This drives us to think it’s not only vital to reach out to customers online. It’s important to keep tabs on the competition as well. Competitors who manage to use social media successfully have an edge over you and might overtake you if you don’t put your act together. The most practical way to ease out the competition online? The solution is building and nurturing good customer relationships online. Your happy customers will serve as your testimonials and their positive reviews will make your business flourish.

Follow Vaynerchuk’s advice and make a strong commitment to social marketing. Go Jetson on your business and advance to the social media future. Keep your Flintstone customer values and you’ll do fine on the Internet.

 

Reference: INC.com