This week, Facebook be
gan mailing window decals to a “limited group” of businesses. The window decals are in the shape of a conversation bubble, featuring the text “‘like’ us on Facebook.” The decal includes instructions on how to “Like” the business, by texting “like NameofBusiness” to a number, as well as the Page’s URL. Along with the decal, Facebook sent a letter urging businesses to place the decal prominently in-store, since “businesses that promote their Page off-Facebook tend to see a 20% or greater increase in connections.”
Facebook’s move to ensure your brick and mortar visibly supports your business’ online presence is spot-on. As we’ve said before, social media isn’t the whole enchilada. There are hundreds of ways to reach today’s consumers, and although social media allows for more immediate, engaging connections, traditional marketing channels are still incredibly effective. The real value though, lies in integrating these channels by cross-publishing and posting content, ensuring the customer will see the great things you’re doing, wherever they are.
It’s really that simple—be where your customers are, and in turn, make sure they know where you can be found. For example, if the average active Facebook user is spending almost an hour a day on the platform, and you already know that your target audience is on Facebook, then it’s clear you should be using the platform to reach that audience.
Also important, though, is to advertise your presence traditionally (whether it be via print, TV, radio, in-store signage, etc.). Doing so allows you to catch the thousands of consumers that either aren’t interested in the social web, or may be thinking about/currently transitioning to using sites like Facebook and Twitter (and if you’re wondering, they likely are . . . in droves).
I’d like to know—does your business currently advertise its online presence via traditional media? Are your website, Facebook, Twitter, or YouTube links and icons included in print materials, radio, or TV? Do you have any in-store signage that lets customers know where they can find you on the web? If so, how do you think it’s affected your business?
[Photo from VividImageInc on Flickr / CC BY 2.0]
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Katie! Dead on!!
you smell that? That is the power of traditional marketing and design! It just so happens that people spend more time interacting with life than they do googling everything…
(obviously the almighty SM is extremely important, but as Nathan points out, it ain’t the whole enchilada… mmm… enchiladas….)
Thanks Justin!
Yes – traditional marketing and design play an enormous role in any business’ success. I’m sure you can attest to that. Having a strong, marketable core concept and message for your business should play well through any marketing channel, be it traditional, digital or social – wherever your customers can be reached or are looking!
Thanks for your comment. Did you end up doing enchiladas for lunch?
Katie
I really wanted to, but my Kiwanis group met today. (We had sliced pork and mashed potatoes) We were handing out scholarships for college bound grads –> DSM Influencers.