Social media has evolved over the last 10 years, paving a way for businesses and entrepreneurs to reach leads from anywhere in the world. Social media is divided into several platforms that have their own identity. When used correctly, you could reach millions in a matter of days. According to a recent studyOpens a new window , 93 percent of users implement social media as a marketing tool. Whether it’s a quick update or constant client interaction, chances are that your social media strategy could use some brushing up. Are you ready to take your social media presence to the next level?
1. Expect (and Accept!) Failures
You will mess up, whether it’s something as little as a typo or as uncomfortable as the time you mistakenly posted that ‘selfie’ to your business account. No matter how professional you think you are, there will be moments of ‘oops.’ Avoid deleting the posts or ignoring the transaction mishap, as this can look dishonest and unprofessional and your viewers will notice those deletes. It can get a little uncomfortable to address concerns via social media but this is the best way to prove that you stand true to your word. Always remain professional, honest, and friendly as you address the transaction mistake in front of your clients so that others see that, hey, mistakes will happen but you’re taking care of it.
2. Care for Each Platform Differently
No two platforms are ever the same, and they should be recognized that way. It’s imperative to understand the background of each and the audience that uses those channels. For example, platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn are excellent resources for sharing success stories, your shared blog posts, and special offers pertaining to our business. These channels cater to a mix of individuals that are looking for educational resources and content. Instagram is a great way to reach those who are looking for visually engaging content. Behind-the-scenes images or a shared photo of a client using your product/service keep them intrigued and engaged.
3. Keep Track, Connect, Engage
Your business is only as good as your interaction outside the workroom. If you offer 50 percent off for new customers, stay engaged with those who have used your offer as well as those who were interested but just hadn’t made the time. Perhaps you had an unsatisfied customer experience. Lesson learned. Offer alternatives and make it a personal experience of integrity while remaining true to your service. Stay connected to each individual, no matter the size of your clientele. You will find that even a bad experience can be rewarding through positive client-owner interaction.
Social media is much more than a flashy business card; it’s where friendship, business and experience build and become something great. Go above and beyond the duty of selling your service or product. The interaction between clients and owners is crucial to the reputation of the business. Perhaps a customer shared your business page on their page. Or your post was picked up and shared and received some nice feedback. Maybe you left a great impression on someone who just happened to see your photo in passing. Reach out to them, thank them for sharing and ask them what they appreciated most about the post/picture. This gives you an idea of what people are looking for and sends a personal feel at the same time.
4. Have a Plan and Stick to It
Don’t overwhelm yourself with the idea that you need to post every hour at a specific time of day in order to accomplish your strategy. Have a plan of what you want to post and how often and stick to it. For example, whatever your service or product, have a number of realistic postings per day. You may adjust as needed, but be consistent with your content and try to stick to the same number each day/week. Check out your competitors and see what they’re posting, how often, and what’s getting the most attention. You want to stand out without overdoing it. Take note of what works and what doesn’t and apply it to an easy-to-read monthly calendar. Compile all of your tasks so you can visualize the day going forward. As your plan unfolds, you will make adjustments here and there, but at least you will have a map of what you’d like to see happen on your platforms.
5. Compare with your Competition
Competition is everywhere. You know the phrase, ‘don’t get mad, get even‘? But instead of having a bad attitude, you can learn their strategies too. How is their online presence? You’ll have a better idea of how your competition works if you identify and divide them into three groups; primary, secondary and tertiary. Primary competitors share your same audience and products. Secondary offers higher- and lower-end services/products than you. Tertiary has no relation whatsoever. What do they include in their posts? How is their interaction? You can learn a lot from your competitorsOpens a new window so instead of allowing them to hinder your presence, check out their strategies on how they do business online. More likely than not, your competitors are scoping your strategies and learning from you too!
When you want to improve your online presence, these simple modifications can alter the way you do business via social media.