Social media has significantly increased in popularity over the years. It has influenced so many people all over the world. And now, it has started to go beyond commercial and business circles.

A few years ago Hubspot reported that as much as 92% of marketers emphasized on the importance of social media marketing for their businesses. In 2015 The State of Inbound from Hubspot, also said that SMM is one of the most important lead sources for more than 3,500 online professionals. This is why almost all marketers now maintain a significant social media presence as confirmed by the Social Media Examiner.

Having a social media presence is easy; the problem however, lies with how they can be put to good use for the business. Startup businesses need to know that SMM is more than just getting likes and fans; it is all about getting benefits that have a huge impact on the business itself.

• Social Media Marketing leads to increased traffic and search ranking

As mentioned, Hubspot has stated that many businesses consider social media as a business tool. What’s more, as much as 80% of these marketers have confirmed the fact that it can also help increase website traffic. This is simply because more than 73% of adults use social media networks.

• SMM can generate leads at a low cost

Social media can be used to help you generate leads without over spending. It can help you save as much as 80% of your lead generation costs, making it more cost-effective than traditional methods.

• SMM can also increase Content Marketing

New changes in search engine algorithms have given a greater importance on content, specifically with regards to the creation and distribution of high quality content that can help businesses generate leads and convert sales. As a matter of fact, in 2015, content marketing was considered the most important digital marketing trend.

• SMM leads to an increase in Brand Awareness

Many consumers do a lot of online research about brands they are interested in. Fortunately, social media can provide potential clients with useful information. According to Ballihoo, as much as 63% if consumers will engage in brands that have a lot of information on social media.

• It legitimizes your brand

Many consumers do a lot of online research about brands they are interested in. Fortunately, social media can provide potential clients with useful information. According to Ballihoo, as much as 63% if consumers will engage in brands that have a lot of information on social media.

• It can help increase sales

Engagement can help increase followers; brands that have a lot of followers can have a lot of sales. As a matter of fact, as much as 71% of these followers buy from the brands that they liked on social media. Content are oftentimes embedded with sales and marketing elements, through social media, people can easily spread this kind of content around.

• SMM can give you audience insight

Social media can help you know more about your audience. The Pew Research Center has highlighted that as much as 96% of African American internet users between 18-29 years old use social media.

• It can help improve brand loyalty

Through social media engagement, businesses have the opportunity to interact with their target audiences. They can develop a strong connection with them so that the business can create loyal customers and brand ambassadors.