Finding New Customers Through Social Media

One of the biggest reasons business is involved and/or interested in social media marketing is to find new customers for their products or services. Social customer service is important, but without finding customers in the first place, a business would have no one to serve.

Does social actually help find us customers? The answer is yes but you have to choose techniques appropriate to the social network you participate in, and you have to choose a network appropriate to your B2C or B2B focus. Current research from Salesforce.com shows that:

• 54% of B2B marketers say they've generated leads using social media

• 77% of B2C marketers have acquired customer on Facebook

• 43% of B2B marketers have found customers of LinkedIn.

• 34% of Marketers generate leads through Twitter and if you can get someone to follow your brand on Twitter, that person is 67% more likely to buy your product than a non-follower.

• Understand and adopt the top brand and industry keywords that describe your product or service.

• Utilize brand advocates.

• Get involved in relevant groups and chats.

• Post on networks that create a lead generation opportunity.

• Adopt a paid social program. Most social platforms offer lead and advertising solutions even for small budgets.

Cheryl Kenny, is a digital and online media marketer, editor, researcher and branding guru. Through Concentric, she helps businesses maximize their communications opportunities using innovative and measurable digital strategies, marketing and advertising programs.