NJBIZ: Staying on the virtual stage - How social media gives small businesses a better reach

Violet PR Account Director Christina Forrest was quoted in this NJBIZ article on using social media to boost small businesses. See the full quote, below.

Violet PR Account Director, Christina Forrest

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When the state Business Action Center decided to revamp its social media approach to attract more followers and create more live interactions with business owners, Violet PR was able to help, according to Violet Account Director Christina Forrest. “In addition to drafting content and retweeting helping info, the NJBAC answered questions during live ‘Twitter Chats,’ communicated with businesses through Instagram and distributed timely information through the NJBAC’s LinkedIn page. Through social media, businesses found about the NJBAC’s ‘live chat,’ where business experts answered questions in real time.

In 2020, the public relations firm “grew the BAC’s Twitter following from 1,200 to 2,346 — an increase of 95% from the previous year,” she added. “Our top tweet in 2020, which highlighted the NJBAC’s helpline, reached 153,000 people, receiving 109 retweets and 822 ‘likes.’ On average, we reached 250,000 Twitter users and 170,000 LinkedIn users each month, an engagement increase of 75% compared to 2019.”

Certain demographics are drawn to certain platforms, she noted. “Instagram taps into Millennials, while Facebook tends to appeal to Baby Boomers. LinkedIn attracts both younger-generation jobseekers, and older executives who want to establish themselves as thought leaders.”

Regardless of the service or industry. “Social media can help expand brand awareness,” Forrest added. “It humanizes a brand, and properly done, social media can convey what they trying to sell, and establish the brand as a thought leader.”