For small businesses today, not being on social media is the equivalent of living under a rock! Of course a lot of the more traditional minded business owners still have their doubts about the new form of communication and connectivity and dub social media advertising a “fad”. However, experts agree that social media is here to stay and this fact makes it all the more important for small businesses to get with it and invest into it more deeply. But how will social media fare in the future especially with regard to small businesses? We investigate.
1. Order placement through social media
Social media has been great for both customers as well as small businesses so far as connecting to favorite brands is concerned. That being said, most social media platforms are yet to introduce enhanced business-centric solutions for small businesses. Since these businesses often work on a restricted budget, introduction of features like e-store functionality on social media might make it possible for customers to place orders for products through a business’ social media page itself.
2. Social media platforms as front desks/reception desks
We already have a multi-person chat function on most social media platforms. In the future, these platforms might evolve to a level where customers can communicate with a small business through their social media page instead of calling the store, visiting the store or writing an email.
3. Social media “stores” might replace website-based e-stores
Setting up and maintaining an e-store can be expensive for a small business that may not have the resources or the manpower to manage such a site optimally. However, if social media platforms evolve more tools for businesses, we might see e-store functionality being introduced within these business’ social media pages. These e-stores would allow businesses to integrate their marketing, catalogues and e-stores into a single page just like proper websites did in the past when social media did not even exist.
4. Enhanced customer engagement
If you happen to browse through any advice column on how small businesses should use social media, you’re sure to find plenty of material that is dedicated exclusively to teaching small businesses how important it is to make their social media content interesting. Without interesting content, customers will not be encouraged to visit their websites and e-stores. However, if social media platforms evolve a way to integrate e-stores and product catalogues within business pages, it would enhance customer engagement greatly.
