Why Your Business Can’t Afford to Ignore Social Media Anymore

 

By Toni du Plooy

Social media and messaging apps are no longer just places for sharing memes, gossip, or keeping up with friends.
Today, they’re where business happens.

From Facebook and Instagram to WhatsApp and YouTube, these platforms have become digital marketplaces, customer service desks, and brand-building arenas—all in one scroll.

🚀 The Power of Social Media in Numbers

Let’s talk scale:

• 📱 Over 1.2 billion monthly users are active on Facebook Messenger

• 💬 Over 2 billion messages are exchanged monthly between people and businesses on Messenger

• 📞 WhatsApp boasts 1.2 billion active users monthly

• 🎥 YouTube pulls in 1.5 billion monthly users

With numbers like these, it's clear: your customers are online.
They’re messaging, watching, reacting, and yes—shopping.

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💡 Why This Matters for You as a Business Owner

Social media marketing isn’t just a trend. It’s a necessity.

People want to connect with brands where they already spend their time. In fact:

• 📩 46% of consumers prefer messaging apps over email to contact businesses

• 📞 49.4% say they’d rather message than call

That means your business has the chance to show up—right in their inbox, timeline, and feed.

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🛠️ Social Media Marketing: What It Lets You Do

As a business owner, social media puts powerful tools directly in your hands:

• 👀 Observe your customers' interests in real-time

• 👍 Engage with their likes, dislikes, and feedback

• 🗣️ Start authentic conversations with potential clients

• ⏱️ Get instant responses to your content, offers, and promotions

• 🤝 Build relationships, not just sales

It’s not just marketing anymore—it’s community-building.

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🎯 Social Media Is the Way Forward

Social media marketing has become one of the most efficient, cost-effective ways to:

• Create brand awareness

• Build trust and loyalty

• Increase engagement

• Drive conversions

And the best part? You don’t need a massive budget to compete—just consistency, clarity, and connection.

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So, where do your customers hang out?
Probably right where you should be—scrolling their favourite apps, waiting for your brand to show up.