Social Media from a Business Perspective

As mentioned in my last BLOG, I have a business called Florals by Rhonda. I rely heavily on the Internet to provide my advertisement be it logo recognition, information, contact info or communication.
I use a web site to capture attention of potential brides. Because of a diligent effort to submit my site to various "local" and "business specific" search engines, I'm pretty assured of a bride finding my web site if she is searching for florist or wedding flowers in Loveland or Colorado. That's a first contact that I couldn't hope for in the traditional forms of telephone book, newspaper, or magazine ads. My web site is 24/7 , 365 a year and it has no monthly fees, which have become out of reach for a small business owner such as myself in more traditional marketing forms.
I also use a Facebook page as a secondary resource of presenting information. I can submit sites for brides to peruse, post flower specials or suggest events and vendors. It is far easier to submit information in this manner than changing my web page which is great, however, the nature of Facebook creates the expectation of change and thus I must be diligent at making new posts. I like Facebook because it links me with other vendors. When Ellis Ranch posts on their profile, it shows on mine, and vice versa. Such interaction not only produces more visibility, it creates logo association and affirms my professional image because of my relationship with other trusted businesses. The downside to this multi-faceted communication is the negative comment. In the past, a business could expect a dissatisfied customer to spread the word to 15 people. Social media has nearly tripled that effect. The average Facebook account has 40 friends!
I've not yet started using a BLOG to generate marketing, however it is to be seen in the floral industry, particularly with wedding services. It's a great media for displaying photos of ones work and more in depth discussions of floral options and designs. One of my associates has created a BLOG for her venue site and is doing a great job of promoting her venue as well as Loveland for brides. For now, I'll jump on her boat and become a "Follower".
In the last few weeks, I have had 5 brides contact me regarding their wedding flowers. One found me on a local search, a second from a web site's Preferred Vendors list, a third via a contact I made on Facebook and two from personal referals. I'm glad to see that social media/internet is working for me.