Social media marketing strategy key to business success

BOOSTING business profiles through social media is crucial to ensuring success regardless of industry.

CAREERS: Anthony Kittel, chief executive and managing director, REDARC

BOOSTING your business profile through social media is crucial to ensuring success, regardless of industry.

Manufacturing firm REDARC’s managing director Anthony Kittel knows that all too well after taking out the prestigious 2014 Telstra Australian Business of the Year award. He believes a strong marketing strategy has allowed his electronic accessory business to boom.

“It’s critical, it’s a necessity that should be in everyone’s strategic plan,’’ the South Australian-based businessman says.

“Our brand is everything, so whatever we can do to promote that brand and consumer awareness is critical, we’re on TV with four-wheel drive shows, we have heavy users of social media sites including Facebook, Twitter, Instragram and Linkedin.

“You would traditionally think a manufacturing company wouldn’t have a large marketing budget but we do devote quite a large deal of money to our marketing plan.”

REDARC, based in Adelaide, has more than 100 staff and develops a range of electronic accessories, power sources and battery management systems to help make camping and touring safer.

HOW TO: SOCIAL MEDIA FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

Social media is crucial for boosting a business profile.

The judges of last year’s awards commended the medium-sized business for its financial success including its impressive durability and robustness, high future potential and significant investment in staff training and product development.

And with entries for this year’s awards now open, new findings show having a marketing plan is crucial for helping a business thrive.

Analysis of last year’s 2014 entrants found 64 per cent of award entrants do have a formal marketing plan and the company website ranks as the highest used, followed by social media and referrals marketing.

All entrants to this year’s awards will receive a free 70-page Business Health Check which assesses their performance against business benchmarks and identifies areas where they can improve.

Telstra Business Group managing director Will Irving said the health check allows entrants to become more successful in their business quests.

“It is designed to help them check their vital signs and become even stronger,’’ he said.

“It assesses their performance again specific business benchmarks, identifies areas for improvement and provides a platform to review strategy and plan for future growth.”

Mr Irving said it’s important for businesses to have a long term plan covering five to ten years however only 40 per cent have it fully documented.

Entries for the 2015 Telstra Business Awards are open until March 30.
Visit telstrabusinessawards.com.