Fall Issue SM | Seite 29

MY connections
Seven hours . That ’ s how long the average person spends online — per day . And of that online time , social media usage ranks highest at 2.5 hours a day , according to DataReportal .
In other words , “ The typical working-age internet user now spends 30 percent more time using social media each day than they spend watching ‘ traditional ’ TV ( i . e ., broadcast and cable ),” says DataReportal . 1
So , if you want to reach your customers , you have to meet them where they are . And they are on social media .
Now , before the loud sighs and eye rolls commence , try thinking of social media less like another task to complete and more like an extension of your ministry . Social media is another way to connect with your customers and better serve them . Believe it or not , successful social media is not a one-way conversation . It ’ s about building relationships . It ’ s about making a connection .
When it comes to social media , Donna McCollough from Dove Christian Supply in Dothan , AL , says , “ I really enjoy getting to know our customers . We get people in all the time , telling me how much encouragement they get from following us and watching our lives — and they actually spend money too !”
Donna admits she is a bit of a social media overachiever . To stay on top of social media best practices , she follows groups like Whizbang , Retail Mavens and Crystal Media . She also follows other stores that excel in social media to see what she can learn or implement from them .
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