If you have been a small business owner for many years you may have kicked and screamed all the way to this modern era of the internet. That’s because what you were doing worked in the past. But what about now? Are you being left behind and if so, does that frighten you? Be frightened no longer dear reader. All you need to do is get on board because the internet and social media is here to stay. The reason for this is because it works, and if you don’t adjust your thinking you will be left behind.

Gone are the days when consumers let their fingers do the walking through the ‘Yellow Pages.’ Now their fingers are doing the walking on their laptops, iPads and mobiles. Yes folks, the best way for your business to really thrive is through social media.

This is great news because the list of social media sites is endless and they all have their own purpose or role to play.

Do you remember the days when Facebook was looked down on? It was for kids, wasn’t it? Not any more.

If you ask most employers whether they have a peep at sites like Twitter and Facebook before recruiting someone, they will more than likely tell you that they do. This shows how powerful the internet and social media has become. It can make or break a business or an individual’s reputation. Hence the need for all of us to be careful when it comes to our personal lives and what we say online. It’s not like having a chat at the local, all to be forgotten the next day and that’s why social media is so good for business. You can reach people on a worldwide scale. It’s a bit like having the world in your office and you don’t even have to entertain them. You can speak directly to each individual and find out exactly what the customer wants. You not only will be able to tailor your business to fit the needs of the majority, you also get instant feedback, allowing a change in direction to suit the customer which in turn will help your business grow.

Even the traditional well known businesses of old have developed the concept of social media because they realise that it’s here to stay. So if you want your business to work, then take the plunge. Open a Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Reddit or whatever account takes your fancy. Handled correctly, these accounts will bring traffic to your site, creating customers and revenue.

Any successful business person will tell you that the brand is just as important as the product. What an excellent way to get your brand out there. Take Facebook, Twitter or Apple as examples. We all know their brand as much as we know the logos of the four well known supermarkets in the UK.

Social media allows for your brand to go viral because people like the idea of a real live person communicating with them. This avenue of marketing brings your product right to the customers home. They trust you, which is a big positive when dealing with customers online. The client needs to know that your business is real and does exist, especially in this climate of scams.

Tweeting will get you everywhere.

Twitter is an excellent tool to use, whether you have an online business or own a sweet shop downtown.

All the big brands and well respected business people like Lord Sugar, Sir Richard Branson and Donald Trump use Twitter. 140 characters is more than enough to get your product out there and you can target your audience by following people that you feel will like your product. Interacting with others, gain the confidence of your customers and the #hashtag is an amazing utensil for increasing traffic.

The benefits to having social media for business will certainly help it grow.