By Debbie Gregory.
Social media has really taken the narrative control from the business and given it to the customer. There are simply too many options in today’s worldwide marketplace and those businesses that have learned to adapt are the ones that are going to continue to grow in our hyper-connected world. In reality, social media is a powerful tool that can drive business growth, but only when used correctly.
Regardless of the size of your business, here are 20 tips that will help to maximize your online presence:
- Make sure that your posts are not just informative but also interesting or playful. Additionally, make sure that your content is eye catching so that people will stop and look.
- Video is always the top dog on social media so try to pepper in videos as much as possible.
- Shine a spotlight on customers to show them how much you appreciate their business. Post customer testimonials and make sure that you respond to each and every one of them.
- Make your customers part of your business by encouraging them to photograph themselves using your products or services to share with their own followers.
- Make clever or funny memes that relate to your business.
- Insert yourself into a larger conversation by creating content related to a national holiday that everyone is already talking about.
- Make yourself an expert in your industry with tutorials or other educations videos.
- Put together an interactive series (video, calls, and/or web chat) to engage with your customers on a regular basis. Let them ask you questions and make sure that you give them compelling reasons to “attend” your sessions.
- Figure out what your customers are talking about and strategize how you can solve their problems or address what they are looking for.
- Launch limited time offers and exclusive discounts to your followers. Get creative with your giveaways to help grow your followers. Also, make sure that you tie your giveaways to other online events or promotions.
- Team-up with other like-minded businesses to offer better giveaways or promotions that help both businesses.
- Make sure to promote any of your business milestones. People want to have a personal connection with the businesses they give their money to make sure they can get to know you and celebrate with you.
- Go “live” and create hype around your new products, in-store events, tutorials, and more. These videos really help humanize your company as well.
- Use “stories” to boost your post to the top of people’s feed without having to pay for it.
- Make sure to follow up on any comments or complaints posted to you because they sought you out and are looking for a response from you so don’t disappoint them.
- Make it easy for someone to find, call, email, or order from you directly from your social media.
- Connect with and get involved with your local community. People feel good about buying from companies that care.
- Always remember to reward loyal customers. Create a database and send out periodic reminders for discounts for events such as birthdays or anniversaries.
- Put together a referral program that incentivizes people for referring customers.
- Utilize social media influencers to help generate buzz about your products or services.
Today, customers demand that companies notice and engage directly with them. Making your business more approachable and more open to your customers will really pay off in the long run. The easiest and least expensive way to do so is through good quality social media posts and diligent direct communication with your target audience. If you can make them feel like they are part of your business journey, they will not only come along for the ride but they will bring friends!
