Any one owner of a computer or smartphone is guaranteed to have access to some form of social media and as a result, the power that these websites and apps hold is unrivalled. With over 3.19 billion people utilising social media as we know it today, these numbers are set to continue growing and so now is a better time than ever to start paying attention to just what this could mean for freight and logistics. With the industry seemingly leaning towards the older generations, could social media be the solution we need to pull in the younger one? We’re exploring just what social media could do for freight, below.
The Power Of Social Media
The first thing we have to understand is that no social media account is ever going to make a difference instantly. Anyone can set up a business account, enter a bit of information and start posting; it’s those that take the time to use it properly that benefit fully. While the freight industry isn’t necessarily the leading market on social media today, the potential that anything from Facebook and Twitter to WhatsApp and WeChat could hold is enough to turn heads.
For freight forwarders and other logistics companies, research suggests that working out how to make the most of their social accounts in the coming years could be the difference between a plateau in conversions and a surge – but how much of this is true? What could freight companies really do with social media to help their business?
How Could Freight Companies Use Social Media In The Future?
In answer to the question above, we’ve taken a look into just what drives businesses to social media and what they can and could use in the future to help spread their brand:
- For Viral Content
Viral content is the biggest draw for consumers on social media and for businesses that utilise this kind of content, they could see a surge in impressions and engagement. For freight forwarders, this might not necessarily mean conversions, but it does give you the opportunity to start conversing and communicating with your customers. Learn what they like, spread relevant but viral content and start building up loyalty – it’s a simple process, but one that could prove invaluable when you least expect it.
- For Customer Service
On a similar strain to the point above, you can use your social media account for customer service. By either using the chat feature on Facebook or Instagram or encouraging tweets or direct messages on Twitter, you can more effectively communicate answers to common questions from your customers. Freighters could also opt for chatbots – these AI-run simulations will answer questions to customers without requiring manpower or resources from the company itself. They are automated but can put the user through to the company themselves if or when necessary. Nowadays, people expect their favourite brands and businesses to utilise social media for communication, so whether it’s self-managed or a chatbot, there’s no better time than now to start giving it a try.
- For Advertising
Paid advertising on social media has become one of the most common and most effective forms of advertising in the digital world. Think about it – you’re more likely to see someone scrolling through their phone while using public transport than reading an advertisement on a billboard. Today, companies can advertise on everything from Facebook and Instagram to LinkedIn and even Google itself.
While social media isn’t the only form of advertising available today, it’s certainly looking to be the way forward. From chatbots for improved customer service to the power of paid advertising on leading social platforms, the potential for the future of freight could be huge.
For more information about how we can help with your shipments, feel free to get in touch with a member of our team or use our handy online form for a quick quote, today.
