As “off the wall” as this may sound, there is no limit to the amount of social media you need for your business. An average Nigerian spends half of their day on social media scrolling through videos, immersing themselves in blog posts, looking for opportunities, and connecting with other people. So, taking your business away from social media for some time is like moving your wares out of the market while you let other people sell theirs.

People learn about new products and services online before they think that they will be in the physical market. This explains how much social media shapes the face of your business and helps it to thrive beyond where it used to be.

What type of business can be on Social Media?

Now, this is the most interesting part, as any type of business can come to social media. Whether you sell digital tools, clothing, home equipment, or food, you can showcase your wares on social media. So, it is quite easy to say that social media is home for all businesses. And, this is why social media platforms have given special privileges to business owners looking to bring their enterprises to the environment. These social media platforms have features that allow business owners to pick the category their business belongs to, which is why you will see a long list of industries or business types including Clothing/apparel, food/drinks, shoes, and many others that you explore.

Knowing the Social Media Platform that works for you

While you want your business to be out there for people to see, you also want to be sure that you are putting it on the right platform. You cannot sell shoes and clothes, and then decide that you will prefer to be on YouTube because people will most likely never think that there could be a clothing store on YouTube. Hence, it is important to swerve towards a platform that best suits your business. Here is what we think:

If you sell shoes, clothing, gadgets, food, and other e-commerce items, you can make use of Whatsapp and Instagram to market and grow your business.
If you are a digital creator or you sell and review digital tools, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok are platforms that you really need.
If your business revolves around public speaking of leadership as a whole, Twitter, now known as X is a great platform you should leverage.
Pinterest can also work for creatives and fashion enthusiasts.

These social media platforms are arranged to suit different types of businesses because they have their own peculiarities and can allow these businesses to thrive uniquely. However, while it appears that Social Media is strongly needed for every business, there are a couple of things you need to take note of.

Handling Negative Feedback

Social Media is for everyone which means that people can come there to say how they feel. And sometimes, you may get negative feedback that can quickly spread and damage the reputation of your business. When issues like this come up, it is important to handle feedback nicely and appropriately so that it doesn’t give your business a bad image on the internet.

Privacy Data and Concerns

Whenever you are signing up for your business on any social media platform, there is privacy information that you are requested to consent to. The same thing goes with Data concerns; don’t mishandle information or data in such a way that it can result in legal and reputational damage. Many vendors on social media have issues with their customers and think that the best thing to do is to bring it to social media. While this may seem like an effective approach to curb other customers, it does significant damage to your business too.

Crisis Amplification

For one reason or the other, some businesses may decide to take a break from business before things fall into place. You need to know that regardless of what the reason may be, social media has the power to amplify the situation, making it challenging to manage and control the narrative. This happens a lot of time, so you may need to brace up for times like this and stand your ground on the reason you are making certain decisions concerning your business.

Competition

Just like you, almost every business owner is now on social media because they understand how much visibility these platforms can give their businesses. This simply means that it is your business against a whole of businesses. On several occasions, you may even have the same products as these people. However, what differentiates your business from theirs has to be your marketing strategy because failing to keep your business up or stand out in the social media landscape can put your business at a disadvantage.

Unsure of why to have your business on social media?

Are there still physical stores? Yes. Do people still visit them? Yes. Physical stores still exist and some people would stop by these stores because they saw the business on social media. While you may want to stick to the idea that people can stop by your store without being on social media, see what you may be missing out on:

Several people are always on social media. Your business is more noticeable by these people when you put it online.
Social media helps you to answer questions asked by customers which can influence their decision to patronize you.
It’s hard for your business to be swept under the bus when it’s on social media.
Your competitors are most likely on social media and this is more reason you should be there too to stay ahead and competitive.
Social media helps you to know how well your business is doing by taking note of the feedback sent by your customers.
Most marketing strategies involve advertisements and this is better done on social media where people can engage and take good actions.

So, if you are thinking of how much social media you need for your business. You most likely need a lot. If you are looking for active customers, then you must make a conscious effort to adopt the use of social media.

Non-Writing Skills for Every Writer

As a writer, honing your writing skills is essential, but there’s more to the craft than just putting words on paper. Let’s explore ten non-writing skills that can elevate your abilities and help you thrive in the world of writing:

Discipline

Discipline in writing often involves self-motivation, as there is not always someone standing over your shoulder. Developing self-discipline is crucial, so it’s important to set goals, create routines, and stay focused. Whether you’re a blogger aiming for consistent posts or an author committed to a daily word count, discipline is what keeps you on track.

Organization and Planning

When it comes to organization and planning, writers have to juggle various ideas, notes, drafts, appointments, and deadlines. Instead of relying on memory or post-it notes, it’s best to embrace tools like calendars, organizers, and productivity apps. Organizing your files, notes, and ideas systematically can save you time in the long run.

Marketing, Promoting, and Selling

In today’s digital age, writers are required to have a multitude of skills, including marketing, promoting, and selling. Understanding marketing strategies, promoting your work on social media, and exploring avenues for selling your books or articles is crucial in building an audience.

Publishing Skills

Whether you are self-publishing or working with traditional publishers, it is important to have a good grasp of publishing skills. Understanding formatting, cover design, ISBNs, and distribution channels is essential in the publishing process.

Technical Skills

Technical skills are also necessary for writers—it’s important to familiarize yourself with writing tools and software, as well as learn about formatting, document management, and basic graphic design. Technical proficiency can help streamline your workflow.

Analytical Skills

Analytical skills are crucial for writers to analyze trends, reader preferences, and market demands. Adapting your writing style based on insights can help you stay relevant and engaged with your audience.

SEO Skills

Search engine optimization (SEO) skills are also important for writers, as understanding keywords, meta descriptions, and how search engines rank content can help optimize your online presence and reach a wider audience.

How to Develop Essential Writing Skills

Practice regularly: The key to improving your writing skills is to write regularly. Set aside time each day to write, whether it’s journaling, blogging, or working on a creative project.
Read widely: Reading different genres and styles of writing can help you develop your voice and expand your vocabulary. Pay attention to how different authors structure their writing and convey their ideas.
Seek feedback: Join a writers’ group or take a writing class where you can receive constructive feedback on your work. Understanding what works well and what needs improvement can help you grow as a writer.
Study grammar and style: Understanding the rules of grammar and mechanics is essential for effective writing. Brush up on your grammar skills and learn about different writing styles to enhance your writing.
Set goals: Establish clear goals for your writing, whether it’s completing a novel, submitting pieces for publication, or improving your storytelling skills. Setting specific, achievable goals can help you stay motivated and focused.
Experiment with different writing techniques: Don’t be afraid to try out new styles, genres, and approaches to writing. Experimenting with different techniques can help you discover what works best for you as a writer.
Revise and edit: Writing is a process, and revision is an important part of that process. Take the time to revise and edit your work, paying attention to both big-picture elements like structure and themes, as well as smaller details like grammar and punctuation.
Embrace rejections: Rejections are a natural part of the writing process. Instead of becoming discouraged, use rejections as an opportunity to learn and improve your writing. Keep submitting your work and seek out new opportunities for publication.
Stay curious and open-minded: Writing requires curiosity and a willingness to explore new ideas and perspectives. Stay open-minded and be willing to learn from others, whether it’s through reading, research, or collaboration with other writers.
Practice self-care: Writing can be a challenging and solitary pursuit, so it’s important to take care of yourself both mentally and physically. Make time for self-care activities like exercise, meditation, and spending time with loved ones to ensure you have the energy and creativity to keep writing.