I recently read an interesting article on how Entrepreneurs are creating buzz on social media platforms to attract their business.

Owner of a Montreal Poutine in Old Montreal, CA, Alan Agostini said he is "obsessed" with twitter since he realized it had potention to improve his business.

He enlisted a company called Needlum, where the service helps small businesses develop social media strategies. In Agostini's case, it monitors his Twitter feed to find key words and responds to requests in the name of his business" (Pretty clever huh?)

During the lunch hour, many users will have usually have keywords like "hungry" where Needlum will send notifications about Agostini's restaurant.

"Needlum is cashing in on a new trend for small businesses that appear to be in a rush for more social presence online. Provencher, the owner of  Needlum, states that restaurants have been web savvy for years but now, more small businesses owners are getting on it and realizing the potential of huge returns from what's often a relatively small investment.

His target audience: small business,restaurants and shops who are looking for growth in business.

Agostini is able to communicate with his fellow patrons through answering questions or concerns they might have. "the user is usually excited for my response" laughs Agostini.

However, there is a downside with social media. Studies show that it can attract a younger demographic so be aware with, depending on who you're communicating with.

It also states that 70 percent of consumers look for information online before purchasing, so that products are easily accessibe when bought in person.

Although a small restaurant like Agostini might work..would it suffer with a larger chain restaurant?

"I believe that as a small restaurant, you have the power to control what's going on, with a larger chain, you have to have analysts and market a plan to sustain your business at a higher level."

 

Social media is good for business, however, do you think other fields, besides Agostini's restaurant, can drive sales?

Are you small company and want to drive sales? Join Ogoing!

 


Picture courtersy of vancouversun.com