DOHA: The Ministry of Economy and Commerce has issued several tips for entrepreneurs and owners of small and medium enterprises in order to introduce them to the role of social media in the development of their business.
The move is part of the Ministry of Economy and Commerce’s efforts to improve business environment and enhance the contribution of small and medium enterprises in supporting a competitive national economy.
Global studies have concluded that about 70% of companies were able to increase their productivity when using social media websites. It is worth mentioning that the total number of Facebook users during the second quarter of 2016 reached 1.59 billion, while the number of Instagram users exceeded 500 million and the total number of Twitter users reached 313 million.
The Ministry shed light on the significant role of different social media websites in supporting small and medium enterprises by improving their reach to the target audience, recruiting new customers and hence increasing the number of website’s visitors.
Moreover, social media websites provide an interactive platform for entrepreneurs that will allow them to build a direct contact and relationship with the target audience, understand their needs and resolve their problems effectively and efficiently which will consequently construct a firm base for their commercial brand.
The ministry clarified that the reliance of businesses on social media websites has greatly increased between 2005 and 2015.
Global statistics showed that 89% of the age group between 18 and 29 years are active on social media while about 63% of millennials are keen to follow brands on social media and about 46% of users shop online.
Studies said that most of the social media users prefer direct communication where it was indicated that around 70% of the users expect a response from the commercial companies while 72% of the users expect a reply to their concerns and complaints and about 53% of the users prefer responding within an hour.
In this regard, the Ministry highlighted the core tools that enable businesses to improve their direct communication strategies with their customers through using Facebook App, starting a live broadcast on Youtube or using Periscope App.
In addition, the Ministry requested all entrepreneurs and owners of small and medium enterprises to use smart phones as a main communication platform with the audience.
It is expected that number of Smartphone holders will exceed two billion in 2016 whereas 80% of internet users own a smart phone.
Furthermore, the ministry demanded them to determine their goals that can be achieved using social media websites, choose the most suitable social media platform to interact with the customers, use monitoring tools to know the feedback of the customers and the public on the products and services offered by the company and identify influencers who are liable to strengthen the company’s image and reputation.
The ministry highlighted the importance of developing an image for their commercial brand that reflects the main characteristics of the brand and making sure that the working staff is aware of such characteristics.
The Ministry stressed the importance of utilizing the analysis and dissemination tools on different social media platforms or using external sophisticated tools that will allow the division of work between employees and enhance the security of electronic information.
