Social Networks in Costa Rica

Costa Rican businesses are increasingly relying on social networks to gain visibility, attract potential customers, and engage those who are already their customers even more.  Social networks have become relevant.    

According to Latinpyme (http://www.pymesdecostarica.com/2011/08/7-claves-para-sacar-provecho-de-las-redes-sociales/)  businesses should keep in mind seven strategies when using social media:

 1) Interact. Social interaction should be fed by answering messages, leaving comments, uploading pictures of your product, and share information about coming events. This will create visibility and encourage potential customers to like your products.

 2) Keep your contact list updated and available in the cloud. An organized list is important to foster effective business relations.

3) Create online exclusive promotions to make your visitors/fans/followers feel that they really matter.  This will help creating visibility to your product/service and building loyalty in the long run.

4) Use the “create event” and calendar free tools to promote campaigns, and make the target population feel more. attracted to your product/service.

5) Accept criticism. - A prominent feature of social networks is that they are living things. Users can and should have a say at all times; therefore, it is necessary to learn how to tolerate criticism, and treat comments with the greatest respect.

6) Avoid becoming a “spammer”. Spamming is disrespectful, damaging and will make you lose credibility and respect. (Check: 5 ways to avoid becoming a spammer (http://www.businesscomputingworld.co.uk/5-ways-to-avoid-becoming-a-spammer/.

 7) Risk. - You do not have anything to lose in social networks. The only requirement is spending some time.  Communicating with your customers from social networks can be done without spending money. There are many effective free social media tools available that can be useful to implement your marketing strategy.

When used correctly, social media tools will help your business acquire new customers, help maintain current customers and improve customer loyalty, develop and improve brand awareness, increase leads, sales, and ultimately profit.