For quite some time now the majority of consumers have been turning to the internet when they shop, or research a company to do business with. This trend is now moving towards the social media sites like Facebook and Twitter. The majority of the population is now subscribed to at least one social media site, and many log in at least once a day.
We have all known for quite some time that networking is critical to the inflatable industry, as many of your customers may be referrals and word-of-mouth leads. The new “networking” is now being done through the top used social media web sites, namely Facebook and Twitter.
More and more inflatable businesses are choosing to develop their own business pages on these web sites to stay in touch with customers and prospects. This type of virtual news feed allows you to post news pertaining to your inflatable business, special offers, customer testimonials and more, all at no cost.
Many subscribers to these social media services also have RSS feeds available, which means when you post news about your business your fans and followers will immediately see your update to their smart phone. What other type of marketing can offer you this, at no cost?
The challenge for businesses just beginning to enter the social media sites is to develop a backing of friends, colleagues and customers. The more folks that you have seeing your news feeds, the more potential reach, as their friends will see when they post to your wall and so on.
One of the critical components to establishing a following through a social media site is to offer value. This can be informative, well thought out posts specific to the entertainment industry, new products, party ideas, and exclusive specials for your services offered only to those who are following you.
At a minimum you should create a business account through Facebook and Twitter. Extend an invitation to your database to like (Facebook) or follow (Twitter) you company online. Continue to log in regularly, create updates, and respond to comments.
Social media offers aspects beyond those of your web site. Your web site contains static content that is great for new and potential clients, but not well suited for returning customers. On the other hand social media sites allow you to have a dialogue with customers, prospects and other industry professionals.
Additionally, both Facebook and Twitter offer advertising options to drive traffic to your business
page. This is similar to the search engines’ pay per click campaigns. Advertising through these sites may be a good way to get your foot off the ground and establish an initial following for your business.
Jungle Jumps is now online with both Facebook and Twitter. Check out the links below to follow us. We have also created a Facebook group specific to bounce houses. The link is
https://www.facebook.com/JungleJumps. You can follow this group and be part of the discussion, spreading your company name and knowledge even further.