Social media has revolutionized the digital marketing space and introduced new channels where small businesses can optimize their online presence, increase sales and further establish credibility.
With the introduction of platforms such as LIKEtoKNOWit and InstaShop, making a transaction has never been easier. However, before people start to click that shop button, they have to click the follow one first. That’s why using social media to drive brand awareness is crucial when looking to increase your online presence.
Quality, Not Quantity
Leveraging the right channels doesn’t necessarily mean all of the channels. It’s of the utmost importance that you understand your audience. If your brand’s target demographic consists primarily of men aged 65-70, then its more than likely Snapchat won’t be the most effective way to reach your core consumer. By identifying your customer’s psychographic and demographic characteristics, you can establish which channels will have the best chance of not only reaching them but resonating with them as well.
Keep it Natural
Once you’ve identified which channels you want to execute your social strategy across, ensure that the content you’re producing is organic. One of the most common reasons that people unfollow brand accounts is a result of being too promotional. We as individuals are relentlessly inundated with ads throughout the day so it’s refreshing to interact with a brand that isn’t overly salesy. Remember that there’s always a way to delicately deliver your message through informative yet engaging content whether it’s an article, native video or even a caption. And if you’re at a total loss, you can always default to a pic of a puppy (people love puppies).
Engagement is Key
Driving engagement is a fundamental part of managing a social account. Long gone are the days when brands could post once a week and wait for followers to interact. Not only should you frequently be pushing out organic content, but you also need to be promoting it as well. Interact with followers in the comments, respond to their direct messages or caption your posts with questions that will motivate them to respond, tag and share. Building a relationship with your customer requires you to remove the barrier that once separated brand and buyer. By cultivating a natural relationship via social engagement, it drives a sense of loyalty and trust that’s key to creating the pathway to purchase that up until a few years ago didn’t exist.
Demonstrate Appreciation
Engaging with your customers will also demonstrate your appreciation towards them. Have you ever messaged a company with a question or complaint and never received a response in return? Not only do some people find this disrespectful, but it gives the customer a sense that he or she don’t matter. Interacting with your customers makes them feel like you care and its proven that people buy from brands that they feel treat them properly.
So, while there are endless ways that you can leverage social media to boost your business’s credibility, following and bank account, considering these tips might help you to have new customers considering you as their go-to brand.
