Social media and independent retail

Do you know your icons? From left to right: Facebook, RSS feeds, LinkedIn, Del.icio.us, and Twitter

We all know that the internet is the great leveler of the retail playing field. Since being embraced by the general public, it’s allowed savvy independent retailers to market on the same scale as their big box counterparts.

Social media allows that competition to ramp up a notch higher, and in my mind, favors the little guy more. You see, it’s built on relationships. Word of mouth. Connecting with customers on a personal basis. You know…the very things independents do best.

There are several components to consider when sculpting a successful social marketing plan: blogs, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and of course, a really great website. Most can be set up for free and with little technical know-how; depending on how important the visual factor is to your image, blogs and websites may (should?) require someone technically savvy to initially build them out.

Once set up, however, they’re pretty user friendly-—especially a well designed blog. Keeping it current and vibrant requires no more skill than typing an email.

For those perplexed by the term “social marketing” and how it might factor into your store’s future, check out this short video explaining the practice in layman’s terms. One thing to keep in mind: home studios are already all over this trend, and making some serious headway. Now’s the time to jump on board and even that playing field again.

P.S. Looking for someone to set up your social marketing tools? Drop me a line; I offer these services through my consulting business.