Advertising doesn’t work like it used to. Click through rates on websites are between 1 – 2% for banner ads. According to a study by the Association of National Advertisers and Forrester Research, approximately 80% of advertisers state that traditional television advertising has become less effective. This means in addition to advertising, a different method of connecting with your consumer is needed – that method is social media marketing.

Social media allows you to connect with your customer on a more personal level than a television advertisement or web banner. It’s the handshake and smile when you meet someone and gives your company a wider reach. Social media engages the customer in order to build their loyalty and trust, which results in a higher returning customer base and more sales for you.

Social media is at the heart of relationship marketing. It’s a combination of customer relations and marketing – doing it well raises customer retention and attracts new customers through your company’s better reputation.