The logistics industry has already been massively impacted by myriad technological advancements. As the innovative measures and technical aspects continue to prosper, the opportunities surrounding supply and demand have also amplified in the best possible manner. While the customers are cognizant of the processing requirements and available options, the suppliers are finding it easier to address user queries, concerns and even opinions. Social media platforms are instrumental in driving sales as the social profiles, insights and any relatable information can now procured with considerable ease.
Why Social Media is an Important Determinant?
Looking closely at the 3PL industry we can infer that consumers are still optimistic regarding traditional marketing approaches and corporate relationships. Moreover, direct customers and retail-specific companies have already leveraged the power and functionality of social media; thereby enhancing the overall presence of 3rd party fulfillment services. In simpler words, organizations are readily partnering with 3PL service providers for keeping up with their logistical requirements. That said, every aspect of an outsourced service— including 3PL— is readily influenced by the social presence of the concerned customers. Based on a study conducted by Go-Gulf, almost 74 percent of the existing customer base researched the social media before moving any further with the purchases. Apart from that, around 89 percent of organizations have also been using social platforms for amplifying their presence. Overall, every individual within the demand-supply hierarchy is embracing social media and its high time organizations start using the same with immediate effect.
Social Media Impact: A Step-Pronged Approach
Regardless of the business type, Social media analysis is an approach that increases sales and assists companies with customer retention. Therefore, understanding the segregation of client data is probably the first step towards harnessing the power of social media. Enterprises must be quick to identify the best platform for a particular cause and work towards offering content over the same. Based on diverse aspects and results, it can be inferred that social presence is arguably the most efficient tool for connecting brands to the expansive audience base via relevant content.
The 3PL industry is surely one of the more progressive service providers thriving on selective content creation. According to a study conducted by Forbes, almost 78 percent of purchases are actually influenced by the active social media posts. In addition to that, third-party logistics is certainly an industry that requires a constant influx of innovative ideas. Therefore, unhindered social presence is surely a relatable metric.
While content can easily drive in exposure and brand equity, social media activity is instrumental when it comes to creating dialogues with clients and prospective customers. The 3PL industry requires constant interaction with customers and therefore it is advisable to work alongside LinkedIn and Twitter for gathering responses and answering queries. This approach, concerning social platforms, works both ways as customers can also get an idea of services, in the form of online reviews. Apart from that, consumer feedback can also be gathered across myriad social platforms— including the likes of Facebook, Google and many more. Third party logistics seamlessly connect the demand and supply chains and therefore it is important that service providers take it upon themselves for answering queries and related questions related to warehousing, order fulfillment and what not. An extensive study conducted by PeopleClaim suggests that websites and companies that have reviews and ratings validating their presence are 63 percent more likely to generate sales. In addition to that, almost 74 percent of sales amplification can be generated via service conversions provided there are positive online reviews to look at. At the end, it all comes down to leveraging an educated and engaged audience base for driving conversions within an entrepreneurial hierarchy. 3PL industry and related service providers have a host of e-fulfillment centers to take care of and having an online presence surely enhances the operations and overall image of the concerned organization.
Bottom-Line
As technological advancements galore, customers are now selectively choosing the preferred 3PL service provider by taking several things in consideration. However, majority of these determinants involve social media activities and the overall presence. Logistical considerations can either make or break a supply chain management system and it is exceedingly important to value the third-party service providers— depending upon the online credibility.
