Social Media Marketing
Social media is not just for connecting with long lost relatives and people who you haven’t seen since high school. It is also a great platform to promote your business! With its constantly changing environment, social media seems to be the quickest way to get word out about your business. Plus the consumer base is essentially endless, allowing you to connect with people from the target areas and demographics you specify. Take a look at a few tips we suggest before starting a new Facebook or Instagram page to sell your services or unique products.
1. Social Media Means Making a Commitment
It’s easy to forget to post something to promote your business, especially during a busy week. That’s why it is important to familiarize yourself with social media, through research of what works for other businesses, and to know the ins-and-outs of posting. Most importantly, you’ll want to lay out a desired strategy of how much and how often you’re going to post something. Ask yourself what kind of posts you want— single product related or broad call to action.
2. While Selling Your Business, Don’t Forget to Sell Yourself
People don’t want to just see a business, they want to see the person behind the business. Being personable is important in building your customer service base and clientele. As a business owner you want to be approachable online and in person, allowing your followers to get to know you and your brand. But that doesn’t mean being extra, over-the-top involved, but involved enough that people get an authentic perception of who you are and what you love about your business. Showing a good sense of character helps to promote and sell your products or services.
Remaining engaged with your customers, by responding to emails or messages promptly and knowledgeably builds your credibility. People love to know they’re talking to someone real, not a script or program.
3. Skip Blind Promotions and Listen to Your Social Media Followers
Having social media involvement for your business is not just a great place to sell your products and services, but also provides you a personal suggestion box. A lot of times, if people like something, they will express their satisfaction in reviews or comments. Likewise, they will express their disappointment. This is a great way to gain feedback about what you do well, and what you can do better. Also, replying to comments and suggestions shows that you truly care about the opinions of your customers. They can provide some substantial inspiration in creating future products as well.
Accept all criticism from your followers, without getting upset if someone didn’t like a product or service. Taking their suggestions with a grain of salt is the best way to go. Your business is your passion, don’t let one bad review change your entire business plan. Everyone is uniquely different, so what may work for one person, may not work for another.
4. New Content vs. Sharing the Favorites
One of the bigger mistakes business owners make on social media is only sharing new products. People love seeing the innovative designs and creations, but they also love being reminded of older, favorite models. Try sharing some of your best-selling products, boosting organic material, and utilizing customer reviews. Try sharing customer-tagged photos to promote a product or service (with permission of course). Involving your customers not only helps in promoting your business, but can potentially help you reach new consumers.