Small Businesses and their Social Phobia

Day in and day out, the marketing industry deals with customers who don't understand the digital space, are afraid of it, or just don't know how to use it properly. From websites (they are not like yellow page ads - you should only have one) to search campaigns (no you can't use that keyword - you don't even offer that service), there's unending misinformation and confusion surrounding online marketing tools.

Nowhere is this more evident than in Social Media.

Now social, even the big guys still can't quite get this one right sometimes. Small business owners have an even harder time understanding the whats, whys, and hows of Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and the multitude of other platforms available.

Some SMB owners have never used Facebook before in their lives. Others have 18 different social network accounts and all are managed badly. Still others have or want accounts, but are just completely unsure of how to post, what exactly they should say, and where their audience is looking.


The rules can be confusing, the mediums constantly changing, but the fact remains that local business owners, in general, are completely overwhelmed by social media. My friend (and former colleague) recently wrote a post all about why, and, more importantly, how to tackle those fears:

Why Many SMB’s are Still Afraid of Social Media…

It's a really great summary of the most common comments and objections we get from clients from all industries as to why social media is too hard, too confusing, or too -something- for them to handle.

Overcoming those objections, and presenting reasonable solutions to address their main concerns, puts your average small business owner at the head of the pack, engaging with their customers and driving traffic through their door - completely digitally.

Social media is the new word-of-mouth. It's time to get on board!