Social Media has taken off in recent years, and the number of Facebook, Instagram, Youtube and Twitter users, among other sites has been skyrocketing. Many businesses have been taking advantage of this trend, and businesses that have not yet done so might as well just throw in the towel now and quit while they’re ahead. Here are 5 ways, in no particular order, that social media is revolutionizing marketing and bringing businesses closer to their consumers.

1. #Hashtags

Hashtags make it easy for users to search for their interests, and enable content to be seen by more viewers. Originating on Twitter, hashtags are also compatible with Instagram and more recently Facebook.

2. Geotagging

Geotagging allows users to tag the location of their posts, and is just one more way that businesses are able to gain publicity. After all, isn’t location everything?

3. Mobile Apps

Many companies are now coming out with apps that allow users to interact straight from the phone. For example, you  can now do your banking with TD Mobile App, or search for the BC Liquor Store location nearest you using their new app.

4. Millions of Users

The sheer number of users online and the speed at which information can be made available is a marketer’s dream. Its impossible for anything to happen in the world, and not see it on social media being shared or retweeted. This gives marketers the power to reach their consumers way quicker and way more effectively than ever before.

5. Interactive

The interactive aspect of social media not only allows for companies to present information to consumers, but through comments, retweets, likes, and sharing, allows for companies to interact with their consumers, and for consumers to interact with each other.

For these reasons, and many more, it would be foolish for any business not to take advantage of the surge in social media users over the past few years.