Let’s start with one simple fact: in 2019, your business needs a social media presence.
Regardless if you run a small fruit and veg shop or a huge multi-national company, social media is an essential piece of your business marketing strategy.
Social platforms help you connect with customers, increase awareness of your brand and boost leads and sales. There are more than three billion people around the world using social media every month. One thing is for certain, it is not a passing trend.
Build Awareness
If people don’t know about your business, they can’t become your customers. Social media boosts your visibility among potential customers, letting you reach a large number of people in a short amount of time.
Before you start, you need to define what you want to get out of your social media. Do you want new customers to discover your services? Do you hope to bring more local shoppers to your shop? By keeping it specific, you can determine which social media channels are the best fit for your business.
Show Your Authority
With customers being increasingly savvy and discerning about which businesses they support, they will tend to do a search for your website and social media before contacting you directly.
What will they find? A totally empty page or a rich source of information? Setting up profiles that are frequently undated with content that is relevant to your business will build your brand’s authority and create an amazing first impression. Your profile can demonstrate that you are knowledgeable, trustworthy and approachable to potential new customers.
You can use social media posts to show that you are a thought leader within you chosen industry. Writing pieces relating to your area of expertise or expanding on the work that your company carries out are two ways of doing this. Letting people see what your business offers, and values will help establish confidence in potential customers.
Be Authentic
Let your brand’s personality shine through in your social media content. Customers aren’t interested in a business that publishes dry, corporate social media posts. Think about what your brand voice sounds like and how does it represent who you are.
Practice getting your tone just right, whether it’s casual, funny or formal and friendly. Don’t be who you think you should be, followers want to see real people behind your profiles, so show them!
Engagement
The world of social media is one that is constantly evolving. New features and a rapidly changing environment can seem intimidating. Remember, you don’t have to do everything. Play with new features and learn what your audiences’ preferences are. Why not experiment with Instagram stories one week and try a Facebook live Q&A the next.
When experimenting, do a test run before you go live to make sure that your equipment is set up correctly and nothing like slow internet speed will cause issues.
You don’t need to invest heavily in new equipment to do these things. An engaging video can be made with a smartphone, a tripod and good lighting.
Provide Customer Support
Social media channels have broken down the barriers between companies and customers. Some companies now have social media channels that are solely dedicated dealing with customer enquiries and complaints as many people turn to Facebook and Twitter with problems or to find information.
Developing a reputation as a brand which is responsive and offers support through social channels is essential.
This can be done through the following steps:
Cost Effective
Profiles on social media are free. So, you can essentially build your business empire for free. However, it is important to remember that social platforms are also businesses, so they reward those that pay for advertising with them. These rewards can come in the form of more reach, engagement and page likes.
Whilst you don’t have to advertise, it is worth exploring the options to help grow your audience and you can pay as much or little as you would like.
Again, experiment with the demographics and amount you want to spend to quickly find what engages your audience the best.
Social media is a crucial part of your business and it does not have to be stressful. Make it easier and get great results by having Tailor-Made Media run your social media accounts. Contact us today and find out more.