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The world is changing rapidly and as a business, it can be a struggle to keep up. With the introduction of Social Media and the internet into the core processes of a company, businesses are at a loss with how to adapt to the quickly changing times. More times than not business owners do not have the time to learn the skills needed to adapt properly and thus either get left behind or run the risk of rubbing their audience the wrong way.
So the question remains how can a business keep up with the rapidly changing times without sacrificing the quality of service or their integrity as a brand? While the process is not easy and certainly not instantaneous listed below are five different strategies that can help you begin the process of adapting to and thriving in this new era of online businesses and services.
Make The Shift To Online
While this first one might seem fairly obvious, many businesses have not shifted aspects of their business online. While this includes things such as a CRM or a Finance Tracking System, it can also include the ability to book and secure services online, get in touch with the business quickly, and find proof of work and experience.
Today’s consumer market is not only more easily accessed they are also more informed, meaning that they will be sure to research to make sure that you are the best option for them. A great way to combat some of the inherent distrust that businesses receive is to improve your presence on the internet. Updating your website, Social Media Pages, and means of contact is one of the first steps towards evolving as a business in 2020
While it may seem as though these are things that only larger businesses need to worry about, these steps are essential for any small business looking to grow, change, or appeal to their clientele
2. Use Automation and Improve Response Time
The second step towards thriving as a business in the 21st century is to automate and improve your response time. According to Super Office, “ 88% of customers expect a response from your business within 60 minutes.”
In the age of Social, Media customers are no longer tolerating long and inconveniencing wait times. From the speed to which your website loads to the speed with which you respond to a message sent by a client, customers have come to expect and demand more from the businesses that they support.
A great way to stay ahead of the potential issues that slow response time could cause, it is important that businesses begin setting up automation especially on their websites.
Examples of automation include A welcome message when a visitor enters your site, a thank you and confirmation email when a purchase has been made, and a thank you message to people when they subscribe to your website or newsletter.
Another great example of automation is to automate a response whenever your business receives an email. While you might not be able to get to the response immediately letting your clients know that their message has been acknowledged and understood helps create a sense of trust and helps reinforce the overall customer experience when dealing with your business.
Automations are a great way to ensure that your customers feel seen and understood when they interact with your business, by limiting the time that it takes for them to see a response you build a sense of trust and appreciation between you and your audience.
“I prefer a response within 15 minutes - no more than an hour maximum.
If they don’t respond, I’ll find a new company to do business with (if possible). Slow response times leave a bad impression for any future business. David Bailey-Lauring, CEO at Blu Mint Digital”
3. Get on Social Media
As we have mentioned before Social Media is becoming more of an essential for businesses looking to be successful. Platforms such as Youtube, Linkedin, and Instagram offer a multitude of options that can help businesses connect with their audience on a much more personal level. Social Media allows businesses to not only build their presence but gauge the needs, wants, and interests of their audience as well. Businesses must begin building a presence on Social Media as soon as possible because it helps negate some of the “Ad Blindness” and inherent distrust of businesses that come with more traditional forms of advertising such as billboards and television commercials.
Over the last few years, Instagram has evolved from a simple photo-sharing app into a powerful marketing tool. It is considered one of the fastest-growing social media platforms with one of the most engaging user-based platforms. Instagram is growing by nearly 5% from quarter to quarter. Since most people are visual learners, Instagram has gained a lot of popularity over its years, which is why the vast majority of businesses market to their target audience on Instagram, interact with potential buyers and acquire new customers. Instagram’s high growth rate could be due to new features they are consistently keeping up with.
4. Demonstrate The Value of Your Services
The consumers of the 21st century have much more power than those before them. Armed with their ability to research, test, and review at will it has become increasingly important for businesses to demonstrate that they can follow up on the promises that they deliver. With Social Media becoming increasingly saturated and new businesses popping up every day it is important to show the results from satisfied customers.
The more personalized you can make your presence the better and demonstrating social proof is the best way to do so. Including video or picture-based testimonials helps your audience feel that you are trustworthy and the more open and engaged you can be with your audience the better.
Conclusion
While the transition into this new era of internet, media, and social platforming can be tough it does not have to be impossible. Taking small simple steps to adapt to the environment is a great way to help your business remain viable in the future, it is also important that you stay on top of new developments in the business world.
If you would like help with this transition and need help managing your social media click this link and set up a consultation call today.