I Hate Social Media, but It’s Good for Business
The statement after the word “but” is why you are here. It’s why you’re reading this. But for me, there’s a love-hate relationship.
There’s no conversation you’re having these days without social media influencing it. You either saw something or read about it at some point while scrolling. Then you go ahead dissecting it with whoever shows interest or with your brain. Either way, it made you wonder or affirm.
And to think it’s just a tool like any other tool. A tool that has come to dominate our lives and invade everything. And I mean everything, especially when you let it.
This reading will help you understand why hating social media is valid. And why no business can survive without it in the 21st century.
What is social media?
Social media is a tool people use to communicate their thoughts. For sharing ideas, personal messages, etc. And every other type of content via the internet.
As of October 2022, analysis from Kepios, according to datareportal shows that there are 4.74 billion people around the world who use social media. Imagine being able to communicate anything to people anywhere in the world. Wild right? I know.
You can exchange pictures, exchange ideas, and watch anyone’s video as long as they upload it on social media. It’s beautiful and yet poisonous.
Poisonous because what you see on social media isn’t always what it appears to be. There’s a false belief, and people have unconsciously trapped themselves in it.
Poisonous because people are sharing information we shouldn’t know about. Some of us know about people’s business against our will. There are too many bad habits that have become normalized out there. People are doing outrageous things for clout, likes, followers, and subscribers. What a time to be alive on Earth.
The effect of social media is expected, as there are pros and cons to almost everything involving humans. It could positively or negatively impact people by encouraging cyberbullying, depression, and access to immoral acts. It’s doing as much harm as good.
Social media is a beautiful mess.
Why I Hate Social Media
You’re wondering why I still have to highlight it here even after the above rant. It’s for you to understand how powerful that tool is. It has me in a chokehold.
- People are much more comfortable staying indoors because they can see everything on their phones. Loneliness has increased.
- It’s a major reason for anxiety because you’re seeing your peers create highlight reels of their lives without the behind-the-scenes (BTS) reality. Then you go into a mini panic mode wondering, “Why me?”
- There has been an increase in depression and suicide because of the awareness it creates. It’s so bad that people even jump on the trend for clout’s sake. Skibii don’t do it again. (He once faked his own death.)
- The glorification that comes with being the first person to record something and share it on social media is another reason I’ve got a beef with the tool.
I could go on, but the world has always been a terrible place, and humans have always had an awful side, it’s nothing new. Social media gave it more exposure. The tool gives everything exposure if you must know.
But amidst all this, guess what has made the creation and thriving of businesses easy? That’s right, dearest social media. This is where we explore why social media is good for business.
Social media has changed the way businesses reach their customers and increase revenue. For businesses of all sizes, it’s one of the most effective ways to connect with prospects and clients.
Ever heard about social media marketing? I’m hoping so. Do you understand what it entails and how to navigate it, or do you only use social media to exercise your thumb? Scrolling king and queen: yes, I am judging you.
What Is Social Media Marketing?
It’s a subset of digital marketing. It allows you to leverage the power of popular social media platforms to achieve your marketing and business objectives. It goes beyond creating a profile or account on one of these sites and posting when your mood allows. Social media marketing entails an evolving strategy with goals you can measure.
Why It’s Good for Business.
- Businesses can develop their brand by having a presence on various social media platforms.
- The personal feature of social media enables businesses to develop connections with customers. And to build brand loyalty.
- Businesses can use social media to advertise and connect with new audiences. They can also reach people most likely interested in their offerings by generating targeted and dynamic ads.
Remember what coca-cola did with their “share a coke” campaign that had the names of people on a bottle? I bet even those who don’t drink soda bought a bottle just to jump on the trend and share an image of it on social media.
- Businesses can also use social media to showcase their products and services and persuade people to buy or do something. Sites like Facebook and Instagram have developed features that allow businesses to sell their products directly on their platforms. 75% of internet users use social media to research products.
- Businesses can use it to educate, entertain, and inform people about whatever they’re selling that aims to make their lives better. Making things and the lives of people better.
You could go on reading about why social media is good for business but I’ll stop here. And show you a place to learn and practice. Where you can better understand the power of social media marketing. You don’t believe it?
Read about how Precious Ojukwu made a career switch to digital marketing with the help of Virals and Signals.
As much as I despise social media, Virals and Signals taught me that using it for business is not only necessary but also beneficial.
Great marketing on social media can bring remarkable success to your business. Helping each business create die-hard fans (aka brand advocates), and drive leads and sales. But you can’t hack this if you don’t have in-depth knowledge of how to leverage the tool.
So, while I dislike social media, it is not only good but also excellent for business.