Social media has become a strong tool in marketing. Social media sites, like Facebook, WhatsApp, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn have millions of subscribers that any firm, especially startups, would want to exploit to expand their clientele base.

Remember, over 60 per cent Rwandans who own mobile phones and the majority have smart phones that have access to the Internet. This is a huge market to tap into for any business.

Yasser Siboyintore, the head of logistics at Kaymu, a marketing site, many people are now Internet savvy and use social media (on either their computers or smart phones) to connect with a huge virtual community.

Siboyintore says creating an online brand for your business is easy so long as one has an account on any social networking site. "It is cheaper and affordable to use social media marketing compared to other channels. Therefore, startups should use the opportunity to advertise their businesses… No business should ignore the power of social media. If you can’t run your social media, hire someone who can do it for you,” he advises.

Lionel Mpfizi, a software developer at HeHe Labs, urges entrepreneurs to set up websites for the businesses, as well as create accounts on different social media platforms to showcase their products and services. "It is important to keep your prospective customers engaged by producing relevant content. Also keep the interaction with customers by responding to the concerns or suggestions,” he says. He notes that social media could be one of the most effective tools of marketing in this era.

Nadia Wera, the head of sales HelloFood, says social media is a ‘blessing’ to the business world today. "Social media marketing helps you engage customers compared to other channels since you are able to receive instant feedback from clients and potential customers,” he says. "It’s just like a bubble floating online…Every business should tap into the potential social media presents.”

How to reap big from social media marketing

For any enterprise to benefit from social media marketing, the proprietor should observe some basic principles. These include:

-Upload business related content continuously. Ensure your wall has new stuff all the time.

-Keep your following active by responding to them when they give feedback.

-Post interesting and good-to-read messages once in a while, besides those about the business. This will keep them hooked.

-Be security conscious and always protect your walls and accounts to avoid hackers and other people who might abuse your wall.

-Learn to appreciate your following on social media and always ignore the negativity from some of the followers.

-Always engage your following in some games that might get them winning freebies and goodies from your business as a promotion.