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ToggleSocial media has become a powerful tool, especially as major brands now have dedicated teams for it, and even national debates can start with one tweet. When used correctly, social media can attract new customers and strengthen existing relationships.
However, it’s not just about posting ads for your product. It’s about creating content that raises awareness, makes your brand feel more relatable, and engages both your followers and the public. In fact, more than 50% of the marketers who’ve utilized social media for more than two years say it has helped them boost sales.
Here’s how to make the most of your social media efforts:
Give some time
Even if you don’t have a lot of time, spending just six hours a week on social media can still bring lead-generation benefits, according to a report. No matter how you fit it in, make sure to post regularly and consistently.
Post your blogs in the proper outlet
Your audience on LinkedIn might not be the same as on Facebook, so it’s important to tailor your posts for each platform. For example, if you run a birthday cake business, you might share posts for party planners on LinkedIn but focus on parents on Facebook. Also, different types of content work better on different platforms create webinars for YouTube, tweet about them on Twitter, and post an infographic from the webinar on Facebook.
Use visuals
Visual content is 40 times more likely to be shared on social media than other types of content. So, whenever you have something to say, show it! Whether it’s a new product launch, a new store opening, your team using your product, or an infographic from a recent survey, make it fun, interesting, and easy to share.
Make your followers feel like insiders
Share the mood board that inspired your new product. Post behind-the-scenes photos from your latest ad shoot. Show pictures of a visit to a supplier, like a farm where you get ingredients for your product. Make sure everything you share connects with what your customers care about. You can also offer special discount codes just for your followers.
Show the humans behind your brand
Post a fun Q&A with the team leader, talking about both work and personal things, like what she loves most about the product and what snacks kept the team going during long work sessions. If your team volunteers, share that with your followers and show a photo of everyone in action. People connect with other people, so let them see the faces behind your brand.
Share other people’s post
You can also retweet or share posts from other brands or people you support. For example, if you’re a sports clothing brand, you could share a great tweet from a sportsman you respect or an institute post about a new discovery in exercise science.
Be interactive
Ask your followers for ideas for new products or invite them to share pictures of their favorite moments with your brand. The more you interact with them, and they engage with you, the stronger your connection will be.
Prepare for relevant holidays
If you run a party supply store, share tips or ideas for holidays like St. Patrick’s Day or New Year’s Eve. If you’re a dietitian, you could post helpful tips during Heart Health Month in February. By timing your posts right, you’re more likely to turn followers into customers.
Respond to your followers
Whether the comment is good or bad, always respond to people talking about you or your brand. If someone shares a picture of themselves winning a race in your tank top, congratulate them. If someone complains, respond and fix the issue to show that you care. Studies show that businesses that engage with reviews see better results. For example, hotels that responded to more than 50% of their reviews saw a 6.4% increase in occupancy rates, while those that ignored reviews saw much slower growth.