How companies, and especially retailers, communicate with their customers has been profoundly altered by the advent of the internet and social media.
The once-unidirectional flow of information between brands and their consumers has shifted dramatically.
- The ability to freely ask questions and receive responses from customers has allowed retailers to more actively participate in the conversation.
- However, many retail firms are utilising social media only to blast promotional information rather than connecting with their audience in a meaningful way, either owing to cost, resources, or time constraints.
- These companies are missing the point because they aren’t capitalising on the finest feature of the internet: the ability to eavesdrop on conversations.
- Whether you own a traditional store or an online shop, there are several reasons why you should be following the media. In this article, I’ll discuss six concrete steps retail companies may take to improve their online visibility through media monitoring.
Interact with your clientele.
In order to address their clients’ inquiries and issues, 86% of companies are utilising monitoring systems.
This is encouraging since it reflects current customer expectations for retail labels. They have high expectations that the companies would cater to them and address their concerns. The following are some suggestions for accomplishing this.
Manage the online discussion about your company.
As a public relations tool, social media may be challenging. There is no brand in the modern world that can prevent negative talk from spreading about them online.
That can never happen.
However, by keeping up with breaking news and other real-time updates, you can be prepared to move fast if necessary.
Listen in on discussions pertaining to particular brands or subjects
You probably have hundreds of stores if you’re a major retailer. It would be difficult to follow talks about all of them, no matter how much you would want to.
Instead, you may search for terms related to the areas where the interesting activities are taking place.
The opening of a new Target store in Brooklyn is a good illustration. A monitoring system would allow them to listen in on all the talk around the opening and chime in as necessary.
Stave off potential public relations disasters.
The average store sees tens of thousands, if not millions, of people each day.
There will be greater chances for a public relations disaster.
You are aware, however, that if the cause is found and dealt with promptly, most PR problems can be averted.
Keep an eye on the competitors (and take notes).
Seventy-seven percent of companies use media monitoring to maintain tabs on the competition in real time.
This suggests that your rivals are likely monitoring your every move.
You may “spy” on your rivals in the retail sector to figure out what they’re up to.
Some of our retail clients, for instance, keep tabs on the news to find out where their rivals could set up shop next.
They focus on expanding their dialogue with local partners and opinion leaders in underserved regions.
Enhance the quality of service you offer as a whole.
The best way to enhance the value you provide to consumers is to listen to what they have to say about your goods and services (and those of your competitors).
The takeaway message is this: your customers are always right.
After all, people travel through time and space to visit your businesses and see the world through your eyes.
People are quite active on social media and will spread the word about things they enjoy. In fact, after a pleasant purchase experience, 28% of consumers say they like leaving a review.
You can also depend on them to spread the word online if something went wrong with their purchase.
Advertise your company through popular people.
Most firms’ traditional advertising strategies are ineffective in the modern marketplace. And the explanation for that is rather elementary.
Today’s consumers neither like nor trust advertising.
Instead, they’re looking for material that speaks directly to them. Media tracking can assist you in this regard.
Use influential people to spread your message.
The term “influencer” refers to a person who can sway the opinions of others.
One survey found that 50% of respondents said they would follow an influencer’s advice.
This implies they have the potential to significantly impact your brand.
There is only one tool you need.
This remark, written almost 400 years ago, has never been more relevant. It’s becoming increasingly difficult to sort through all the internet chatter and zero in on the signals and insights that will have the most impact on your business.
Here’s when keeping tabs on the media comes in handy. Marketers and public relations experts may use it to go through the internet chatter and find actionable insights.
In a nutshell, media monitoring is no longer a luxury; stores simply cannot afford to be unaware of what is happening in the public eye.