In the past, a debate has raged over whether social media is an essential marketing tool for businesses.

Well, that debate is over.

Social media has become the single most important medium for all types of marketing. When you choose to set up your company’s social media accounts, you create a number of unique opportunities for both your business and its customers.

In order to get a better understanding of the importance of social media, let’s look at 10 of these opportunities.

1. REACH A LARGER AUDIENCE

If only there was a network where millions of people across the world could be connected via a single platform . . . Enter Facebook, and now Instagram, Twitter, and others.

There are only so many people you can reach with a brochure, an email, or a letter. Social media allows you to reach people who are otherwise unreachable.

2. DEVELOP A BETTER BRAND

Social media plays a vital role in modern branding. How do you want your business to be perceived? Image-driven apps such as Instagram and Snapchat allow you to create the look and culture that you want for your company.

3. STAY CURRENT AND RELEVANT

This isn’t to say that if you don’t have social media you’re not relevant. But being present and active on social media goes a long way in assuring customers that you’ve adopted a modern approach to marketing.

4. GIVES YOUR CUSTOMERS A CHANNEL FOR COMMUNICATION

Social media has made it easier for customers to get in touch with their favorite brands. Instead of calling and being put on hold for 10 minutes or waiting 48 hours for an email to be returned, they can send a direct message or reply to a comment thread.

5. GATHER AND RESPOND TO FEEDBACK

If you’re doing something wrong, social media will let you know. Whether it’s through the 5-star review system or tagging your company in a post, customers can make their voices heard. And that’s a good thing! Social media listening allows you to make constant improvements to your brand and the way you work.

6. LEARN ABOUT YOUR AUDIENCE

Social media makes it easier than ever to survey your audience and receive input. Take some time to learn about customer interests and the major selling points of your brand. Engaging your audience not only keeps your customers involved, but it also allows you to gather information about them.

7. PROMOTE CONTENT

If you’re creating original content for your blog but aren’t circulating it via social media, you’re only going to reach a fraction of your potential readers. Anytime you create, be thorough! Use every tool to your advantage.

8. BOOST SITE TRAFFIC

We know that growing your site’s traffic can be a struggle. Using social media, however, can bolster those efforts. Whatever you create or advertise on your site, be sure to share it around on each of your social media pages.

9. IMPROVE SEARCH ENGINE RANKING

A common misconception is that search engine optimization (SEO) is only performed on-site. That’s only half the truth! The more that people link to your site and share your content via social media, the higher your site will rank in search engines.

10. NURTURE LEADS AND MAKE SALES THROUGH ADS

Social media platforms, Facebook and Instagram in particular, have become marketing powerhouses for businesses to leverage. With the addition of paid advertising, your business has the ability to reach relevant prospects and generate real leads that convert.

If you haven’t yet set up your business’s social media pages, what’s holding you back? Most accounts can be created and verified within minutes. Try social media for yourself and see how you can engage a larger audience!