Social media tips your business needs to know before getting started.
Let’s be really honest about one thing – the internet is a noisy place. Get rich quick schemes, sexually charged content, inflammatory political and social issues can dominate the landscape of what people are viewing.
So how do you get your message across to consumers online and in social media?
Oh, and you better do it quickly. According to a survey by Microsoft, the average adult begins to lose concentration after only 8 seconds! So you have to grab their attention and do it quickly, but how do you determine which things to post and which things are better left unsaid (at least by you).
Social media tips that can change your bottom line…
Forrester Research Company has projected that online sales will eclipse $325 Billion in 2016, up from $226 Billion last year; AND, a study by Hubspot found that people are 71% more likely to buy a product or service based on reviews on social media. So, it is imperative to have a presence online and one that is easy to understand and to navigate.
As a business owner or entrepreneur, you are the ultimate brand ambassador for your company and your products/services. What message are you sending to your customers and clients (or potential customers and clients)?
Let’s look at a few questions that all business owners and entrepreneurs should be asking:
Who are you? This may seem like a simple question, but how often does it get asked? The answer should be simple and easy to understand, so that people know within a few seconds what they are looking at. Remember, you’ve got about 8 seconds.
What are your values? The internet is riddled with racy content, like pornography or drugs; incendiary topics, like politics and race; and just plain bad news. Conversely, many people have had success with happier, uplifting messages, like a Joel Osteen, for instance. Which is in alignment with your beliefs and what you want to convey?
What are your intentions? Are you looking to increase your network size, showcase your expertise, convert sales? How you go about delivering your message will hinge on what your goals are.
What pain point are you solving? How are you making the life of the consumer better? What can they gain? And why should the consumer trust you?
Who are you targeting? Think about who your ideal customer is – age range, sex, education level, family dynamic, and values are all considerations. Also, think about where they ‘hang out.’ Are they on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn, Instagram, Snapchat? Some or all of these will be useful to nearly every business.
How are you improving their customer experience? In some instances, you may have to come up with incentives to entice the customer to consider taking a look at your product. Not everybody is lucky enough to sell Iphones and have a line out the door days before the product is available. Some companies will give away free resources, run contests, or find other creative ways to increase their traffic and the overall experience.
           For another article like this read Brand Building and Social Media – 4 Keys
Keep in mind that most consumers these days are savvy. The majority can’t be fooled and they are doing their homework. But, you do have one major thing on your side – the stat from earlier – over 70% of people are more willing to buy based on social media reviews. Any business greatly benefits from positive reviews, testimonials, referrals, and such. Make sure to thank your customers and clients over social media. By making them feel special, you just might create raving fans – people who will follow you anywhere, refer others to you, and become the biggest advocates of your company and your products.
Susan Sly is a Balanced Living and Productivity Expert. She is an author, speaker and entrepreneur. She has appeared on CNN, CNBC, Fox and Lifetime Television. Susan is the mother of five children. She, and her husband, Chris, reside in Scottsdale, Arizona.
