Since the arrival of the most well-known online social platforms back in the noughties, online marketers have been harnessing the power of these networks. Social media wasn’t a new concept at this point however, previous incarnations had mostly been limited to closed networks between computers within Institutions. In the late 90s, platforms that we now recognise as social media began to appear, and by 2006, Facebook had over 50 million users, with its Ads function launching in the same year, off the back of its success
Social media should be an essential part of any modern business strategy. A strong online social media presence and following benefits businesses in numerous ways. And leveraging social media platforms isn’t just for online businesses.
Whether you’re a boutique print shop, a large-scale printing press, or a freelance designer, tapping into the vast reach and engagement opportunities of social media can revolutionise your print business’s growth and success.
In this article, we examine how harnessing the power of platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn can elevate your brand, expand your customer base, and amplify your impact in the competitive print industry.
Creating more awareness around your brand
In its simplest form, social media channels provide a platform for you to showcase your work, offerings, customer feedback, behind-the-scenes glimpses of your process, and changes to the business, announcing special offers, promotions, or discounts on your print services. In fact, pretty much anything you’re doing as a business can be exhibited for all to see on social media. Social media can also serve as a digital portfolio for potential clients to browse through, demonstrating your expertise and capabilities. This engagement with potential customers and consistent posting and interaction helps increase brand recognition.
Target an exact audience of your choosing
Platforms like Facebook and Instagram offer the opportunity to target a highly specific customer audience with advertising (Meta Ads). With Meta Ads, you can create defined audiences allowing you to reach specific demographics, interests, and geographic locations. A safe bet is to tailor your ads to reach those most likely to be interested in your print services. However, you can also experiment with other audiences to see whether they perform well and attract previously untapped, more niche customers.
Another way for customers to discover your business
As a business, if tapping into a younger audience is a goal, then it is imperative to have a social media strategy. According to a global survey, in 2023, more than half of global Gen Z respondents stated that they use social media for brand information, compared to 45 percent of them who used search engines. Social media proves to be the preferred and used channel for brand discovery and information. Having an online social presence is another way for potential customers to find you. Social media provides a platform for direct interaction with your audience. Responding to comments, messages, and inquiries promptly can help build trust and rapport with potential customers.
Creating an online community
The phenomenon of online communities is growing every day. It’s not just about promotion either, it’s also about knowledge sharing and building networks to help each other. Joining relevant groups or communities on platforms like LinkedIn or Facebook can help you connect with other professionals in your industry and potential clients too. Participating in discussions and providing valuable insights can help establish credibility and authority in your field. One of the most established ways of building a community is content marketing. Sharing informative and engaging content related to print design, industry trends, or tips for businesses can position your business as a knowledgeable authority in the field and attract followers interested in your expertise. Content marketing also aids any SEO efforts your business may be focusing on.
Encourage your customers to take part
Having a strong social presence means you can engage with satisfied customers and ask them to share photos or testimonials of your print work on their social media – tagging you in their posts. Not only does user-generated content serve as authentic social proof but it can also help attract new clients. Word-of-mouth marketing is the golden ticket to success for many businesses.
Employ the help of someone with influence
If you’re still at the beginning of building up your social media audience, it can be helpful to collaborate with other businesses or influencers in related industries to expand your reach and audience. Joint promotions or sponsored content can introduce your print services to new potential customers. Social Media Influencers collaborate with brands, share authentic experiences, and influence purchasing decisions. Through their authenticity, expertise, and charisma, influencers build communities and shape trends in various niches. They could help to announce special offers, promotions, or discounts on your print services.
Track your efforts
Meta ads provide analytical tools to analyse and gain insights into how well your ads and posts perform, which can help you tweak and improve your content. Social media platforms also provide a great way of gathering feedback from your audience through polls, surveys, or direct questions. These insights can help you understand customer preferences, identify areas for improvement, and tailor your services accordingly.
Flex4OPS – Digital Marketing for the Print Industry
The scope of social media is vast – and at Flex4 OPS, we understand how overwhelming it can be for businesses that are venturing into this arena. But, by leveraging the power of social media effectively, you can increase visibility, attract new customers, and build meaningful connections with your audience, ultimately helping to grow your print business. Talk to us today about how we could help with your Digital Marketing and Social Media strategy.