What are the benefits of using social media for business? Consider that there are now more than 3 billion using social networks across the globe.

And these people are using social to engage with brands.

If you’re not taking advantage of social, you’re missing out on a fast, inexpensive, and effective way to reach almost half the world’s population.

1. Increase brand awareness

With nearly half of the world’s population using social media platforms, they’re a natural place to reach new and highly targeted potential customers. Think people only connect with brands they already know on social media? Consider that 60 percent of Instagram users say they discover new products on the platform.

2. Increase website traffic

Social media posts and ads are key ways to drive traffic to your website. Sharing great content from your blog or website to your social channels is a great way to get readers as soon as you publish a new post.

3. Generate leads

Besides, social media offers an easy and low-commitment way for potential customers to express interest in your business and your products. Lead generation is such an important benefit of social media for business. Many social networks offer advertising formats specifically designed to collect leads.

4. Boost sales

Finally, no matter what you sell, social media can help you sell it. Your social accounts are a critical part of your sales funnel—the process through which a new contact becomes a customer.

For individual sales professionals, social selling is already a critical tool.