It is of popular opinion that social media marketing is primarily suited for business to consumer (B2C) businesses, and not so well suited for business to business (B2B) such as manufacturers. However this is not the case, even manufacturers can harness the power of social media.
At Fascia Graphics®we manufacturebespoke membrane keyboards, graphic overlays and screen printed labels. We have noticed a huge benefit in implementing social media within our current marketing strategy.
Having set up a blog, which we regularly update, and profiles across social networking sites such as Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Google+ and Pinterest, we have noticed an increase in our monthly referral traffic to our website (over 60% of which comes from social media), with many of these referrals turning into enquiries about our products.
Overall, manufacturers stand to gain from increased business exposure and increased traffic to their business website, with a better understanding of their market through the implementation a strong social media marketing campaign.
5 ways in which manufacturers can benefit from social media marketing include:
- Website
Firstly, before implementing any social media marketing strategy make sure that your website (where you shall be directing all these new visitors) is up-to-date. You don’t want to be sending all these potential customers to an out-of-date website that looks like it was created in the early 90’s. Your website shouldcommunicate your company’s core messages.
- Blog
It is widely considered in the marketing industry that content is fire and social media its fuel. So if you plan to get the most out of your social media marketing strategy it is wise that you set up a blog and fill it with quality content. This content should be a balance between company related information and general industry updates and news.
You can share this quality content across the various social networking sites, enticing visitors to your website and positioning yourself as an influential thought leader within your industry.
Twitter is one of the most active social networks with 288 million monthly active users and 500 million Tweets sent out each day. Twitter is an excellent tool for ‘listening’ in on your customers and prospects and finding out what makes them tick and what they think of your company as well as your competitors. You can use this information to improve your company’s image and position.
Manufacturers who wish to be successful in their social media marketing endeavours should leverage the power of Facebook for brand promotion. Facebook principally favours consumer oriented relationships, and so as a manufacturer you should focus on posting positive brand-solidifying messages, accompanied by plenty of product images.
B2B marketers rank LinkedIn as the most effective social network, with it undoubtedly being the best social network for creating business connections.One of your first points of call should be to set up a professional profile and a company page. By joining and creating groups you can be active in discussions and as a result increase your brand visibility.
A key point you should keep in mind is that in today’s society customers make 60% of their buying decisions before contacting the supplier of manufacturing, by viewing online content about the products they are interested in. So isn’t it worthwhile building a presence where your customers do their research?