Article by Nikole Stanfield

The social media community is a lot like a real-world neighborhood where people ask their friends for referrals to a hair stylist or mechanic or roofer. But businesses can use social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram proactively to market products and services in dynamic, interactive ways to the people who want them.

In that sense, social media is more potent than a website where people can learn about a business but can’t interact with the owners or other customers. Websites are a lot like online brochures, and they’re just as static. And few people see them if they don’t know what to look for or if the business doesn’t rank high on search engines.

Established social media platforms allow the types of engagement that animate social media marketing. They let businesses start a conversation with a prospective customer that could lead to a sale. Continue reading →