For those who have yet to experience a shift in social media platforms, Sunday, January 19th was a defining moment. You are probably never going to forget that brief period of internet chaos when TikTok was “banned”. 

This was a wake-up call for businesses across the United States. Suddenly, a significant portion of their marketing efforts were inaccessible. And while the ban lasted a mere 14-hours, this moment served as a stark reminder of the importance of diversifying your marketing channels. What was the biggest takeaway for many businesses? To never put all your eggs in one (or multiple) social media baskets.

Social media platforms are powerful tools for reaching your target audience, building brand awareness, and driving engagement. However, it's crucial to remember that these platforms are not permanent fixtures. Algorithms change, trends shift, and sometimes, bans or platform shutdowns occur. Relying solely on social media for customer communication and marketing efforts can leave your business vulnerable.

This is where the importance of building an email list comes in. Your email list is your own direct line of communication with your customers. It's a channel you control. So regardless of what happens with any social media platform, you will always have a way to connect with your audience.

By consistently collecting email addresses from website visitors, social media followers, and event attendees, you’re building a valuable asset. Your email list allows you to:

• Communicate directly with your audience: Share important updates, promotions, and exclusive content directly to your subscribers' inboxes.

• Build relationships: Nurture leads and build stronger relationships with your customers through personalized email campaigns.

• Drive sales and conversions: Promote your products and services directly to your email subscribers.

• Maintain control:  Unlike social media, your email list is yours to keep.

While social media platforms offer valuable opportunities for marketing and growth, they shouldn't be your only point of contact with your customers. By diversifying your marketing efforts and prioritizing email building, you can ensure that your business remains resilient and adaptable, regardless of the future of specific social media platforms.

This experience serves as a valuable reminder to always have a backup plan and to prioritize building direct relationships with your audience.

If you're not sure where or how to get started with email marketing, don't worry! We can help. At SKC Creative, we specialize in helping businesses build strong email marketing strategies. We can help you build your email list, create engaging email campaigns, and track your results. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you connect with your audience and grow your business outside of social media.