Gooden Group

Social media is the future.

Are you tired of hearing that yet?

So am I. But no matter how much it may be overdone, it’s still true. In fact, businesses should be ecstatic over these new technological developments, because any new way of communicating is good for business.

Of course, businesses have varying needs of social media. If you own a local restaurant, a store or have a trade, then by all means, use social media as much as you can to get your name out. The general public needs to know about you and would benefit (as would your business) by your online presence. But if you’re, say, an investment firm or developer, your social presence is less needed. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t even put your toes in the water; it just means you can’t be online every day advertising your specials, because, well, you don’t sell products. However, you still have a story to tell.

Here at the Gooden Group/Public Relations, we’ve slowly begun using social media in our own endeavors. We have a Facebook (shameless plug). We also have a Twitter (another). We post updates and news from our clients on both of those. We encourage our clients to have both as well. Every time we make a video of a product or event, we post it on our YouTube page.

Many companies are getting on board, despite an adherence to traditional business practices or forms of communication. You know – press releases, press releases, and more press releases. They are slowly realizing the potential literally at their fingertips: potential to reach hundreds or thousands more customers than before, potential to keep their customers up-to-date instantly. The world is moving to a more open form of communication, and while we don’t recommend ditching all the customary practices of spreading the word, a gentle mixture of old media and new media serves all purposes and works the best. Send a press release and crank out a Tweet. Make an announcement in a press conference and on Facebook. Even though every business’ online strategy would be different and need varying levels of investment, each can benefit in some way.

So social media is here; we know that, and we know how important that fact is if a business wants to stay relevant. Take that to heart and give your business the extra boost it needs.