In 2013, business analysts predicted that the rise in social media would continue to lead to a greater integration of retail with a customer’s overall online experience, and the forecast for 2014 looks like more of the same. The marketplace is no longer just where customers in need of a product source the best goods at the best price and move on; instead, the move is towards a more interactive, entertaining experience. So what does this mean for you and your small business? If you haven’t already, it’s time to build in more rich, unique content to establish an interactive web presence for your business—and content writers can help.
Why Are Content Writers Needed?
Gone are the days when search engines favored content that was “stuffed” with a ton of keywords that read like a pile of robotic mush. Today’s content writers work closely with businesses to provide unique, relevant content for blogs and social media posts with a distinctly human voice. The goal is to make your business come alive in an increasingly crowded field of retail-as-entertainment. Small businesses can stand out from this crowded chaos by offering a clear, consistent voice that communicates their values, brand, and message.
The work of creating and maintaining this content can take valuable time away from the more pressing demands of your business, which is why more and more small business owners are turning to content writers to help them make a smooth transition and achieve complete social-retail integration.
Social Shopping
While this “integration” almost sounds like something from science fiction, it’s actually fairly simple. Businesses have begun to capitalize on the popularity of social media platforms such as Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. As a recent report on Business Insider makes clear, many consumers use these sites as a kind of online “catalog” where they can browse through images and descriptions of products and services before actually making a purchase.
While part of the draw of these sites is the authentic referrals from actual customers, there’s also tons of room for direct interaction between customers and businesses, as evidenced by this viral story about a man’s charming Facebook relationship with his neighborhood Applebee’s. Communication is the key to this elusive “integration,” whether it’s via industry related small talk, answering customer questions, or a simple thank you to your loyal fans. Working with a content writer to manage your accounts will establish a clear, professional, consistent voice that has the potential to boost your brand’s image to potential customers who haven’t yet decided if they’ll be doing business with you.
Caitlin C is a freelance writer available on WriterAccess, a marketplace where clients and expert writers connect for assignments.
