Social media has had a significant impact on our lives ever since its invention. Some of these impacts can be positive and negative. However, we cannot ignore the fact that it has improved our lives and businesses in one way or another. However, the downsides are very visible.
Advantages of Using Social Media
1. Access to a Vast Network
They say your network is your net worth. Initially, you would only meet and interact with people around your area. But social media has broken the geographical boundaries of communication. Now you can meet people from different parts of the world without having to travel there. Therefore, it has become beneficial for business people to sell and buy their products around the globe. You can get to know Kimbal Musk net worth without having to leave your location.
2. Direct Connection With People
Unlike before, business people can now communicate with their customers around the globe. They can respond to queries and complaints without having to go where they are. Social media has become part of the marketing strategies only that it brings you close to your audience. Also, you can account for the number of people who are interested in your product. It’s because you can check on the number of followers and likes you get on your business page.
3. Creating Brand Awareness
One of the things businesses can benefit from social media is brand awareness. You can get relevant and compelling content that will attract the attention of social media users. You get to increase your brand visibility and your business will grow beyond the geographical area.
4. Cost Effect Market Strategy
There are so many marketing strategies to get more customers for your product when you market your business. However, the use of social media is more affordable. It’s because you can create one post on various platforms that has many users. That way, you will be marketing your products to more people compared to the usual strategies. Additionally, it’s affordable because all you need is access to an internet connection. It’s cheaper than the traditional promotional activities where it consumes your time and money.
5. Brand Loyalty
One of the benefits of growing your brand on social media is building solid relationships with your customers. Therefore, you will be building loyalty with your customers, and they will keep buying from you. The customers can also market your services through their platforms in a way to show their loyalty.
Disadvantages of Social Media
1) Requires Resources
You need to commit a lot of resources for you to thrive on social media. It’s because there are so many users of various platforms. Therefore, you need to be more active to get at to enjoy the advantages of social media. Some of these resources include spending time and Internet connections to respond to feedback and creating new content.
2) Social Media Trolls
One of the significant disadvantages is dealing with negative comments and feedback. Not everyone will give you a warm welcome or nice comments on social media. Some people take advantage of being anonymous and not being able to be reached. Therefore, they leave negative comments, trolls, and sometimes seven insults. If you are an account user and don’t know how to deal with social media abuse, you will be hurt. Dealing with social media cyberbullying requires you to be solid and ready to respond. Those who don’t know how to deal with such situations end up getting depressed and stressed. It is harmful to their health and business.
3) It Requires a Lot of Patience
You may not be the first person to use these social media platforms. Thus, it will take a lot of time for your account to gain followers. Those who are impatient may buy followers and likes so they can be more visible on social media. In some cases, the business can hire a social media director to help them gain more followers. However, it incurs many costs which may not be enough to get better than other users.
4) Dealing With Competition
There are so many social media users. It’s because so many people across the globe are using it. Therefore, you need to learn how to deal with competition. Because when you create content, someone else has better content than yours. The aim is to trend on social media so you can get visible in the competitive world.
Social media has contributed to a lot of aspects of our lives. However, people can enjoy the advantages and adapt to their disadvantages.
