Social media’s constant presence has made it one of the most effective ways to generate leads for any business. Not only can companies use different social media outlets to build an online community, provide customer service, and promote brand recognition, but it is also one of the easiest and most economical ways to do so. In Nicole Fallon’s Business News Daily article, “Why Social Media May be Your Best Sales Lead Generator,” she explains that there are several benefits in promoting a company through social media that other marketing strategies lack.

From this article, Scott Public Relations has summarized the five primary benefits of generating leads through social media.

  • Inexpensive: Social media marketing can be the “great equalizer” as small companies are able to utilize free sites such as LinkedIn and Twitter for self-promotion. These free website have millions of users that companies can interact with at no cost.
  • Personal and Direct: Companies are able to look for conversations that relate to their product, and interact with potential consumers. By using platforms such as Twitter, companies can communicate directly with their consumer base through replies and popular hashtags in order to create a more personalized experience.
  • Instant: Companies can connect with potential consumers at the exact moment they are in need of the product. As soon as an individual tweets that they are in need of a product or service, companies can reply directly with a special offer or promotion.
  • Relevant: Individuals conduct extensive research on a company before they decide to purchase a product. This means that it is important for a company to have an online presence that entices consumers as this could make or break a purchasing decision.
  • Customizable: Because there are numerous social media websites such as Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn, companies are able to choose which outlet is best for their product and target audience. By creating a customized strategy, these companies can build a consumer base with a strong web presence.

These five factors result in social media being one of the easiest and most effective ways for any company to generate leads. Using one or more of the popular social media outlets helps companies build online communities which support their products and offerings as well as contributing to brand recognition.

Have you used social media for lead generation purposes?

If you’re in healthcare, insurance, technology or other professional services industries, and need help with a PR, marketing or social media campaign, contact Scott Public Relations.

Like what you’ve read? Follow Scott Public Relations on Facebook , Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn and Google+. For convenient blog updates, sign up for the Einsight RSS feed!

(Note: Many internet browser platforms are discontinuing their internal RSS reader. If you are viewing this in Google Chrome the RSS feed will not work properly since they discontinued Google Reader. If you have an independent reader set up already you should be fine. If you do not, may we suggest you look to Digg Reader, AOL Reader, or our personal favorite – Feedly to handle your RSS feeds. Happy reading.)