The Internet has created a broad playing field for business competition. Social media plays an important role in a business plan, helping bring businesses and customers together in innovative ways. As a small-business owner, you may have limited resources, making social media even more advantageous. Social media is a powerful tool that savvy business owners can use to increase chances of success.

This might seem like a no-brainer but it’s worth mentioning. Simply having an active presence on a social channel represents positioning power for your business. Think about it. Let’s say your closest competitor has an Instagram account that’s booming with customer photos, Stories and sleek snapshots showing off their product.

On the flip side, you have an Instagram profile that’s gathering cobwebs. Not a good look, right? Consistently publishing on channels relevant to your business signals that you’re active and open to new customers.

So here are just 4 ways Social Media Gives You A Competitive Edge

To Market Your Business

After you create your business niche that sets you apart from your competition, use social media avenues to drive your message out to the public. The special aspect of your brand is what your business provides better than any other business. With business accounts at websites such as Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn, you can professionally present your company and its message for customers, peers and potential employees to see. Social media can also be an effective way to promote loyalty incentives and sales to customers. Entice customers to interact with your company on social media websites, promising discounts.

To Relate to Customers

Use social media to create a place where you interact with customers regularly. Not only will this increase your visibility within your industry, but it can also help to create a sense of community for your customers. Regular interaction with customers can keep them engaged with your company and foster deeper feelings of loyalty. Use social media to answer questions about your products or services and to promote your expertise.

To Attract Quality Staff

Present your company as a winning place to work by promoting your business on social media. Create a positive representation of your business with social media accounts. Encourage your current employees to network to promote your business as well. You could even use social media to connect with universities and other professional organisations to increase your exposure and recruit high-quality individuals to your business.

To Resolve Problems

Issues inevitably arise where customers have complaints, but you can turn a potentially negative situation into something positive for both the customer and your business. It can be easier for a customer to take a complaint to your business via a social media website. When the customer visits your business this way, respond quickly and personally to solve the issue. A fast solution not only wins you a loyal customer, it also serves as evidence of your winning customer service for other people, who see the way you handle the situation before their eyes.

Oh, and don’t forget the literal positioning power of social media in search engines when someone looks up your brand. Your Facebook or Instagram could very well be your business’ first impression on a customer versus your website. This again speaks to the importance of maintaining an active presence.

Businesses should assess the potential competitive benefits of social media themselves based on specific, actionable goals. Although the impact of the benefits above varies from brand to brand, there’s no denying the positive business implications of having a strong social presence.

But what about you? Are you seeing the competitive advantages of social media for your business? Connect with us today and let’s get your business in front of your target audience.