Social media is constantly changing, and every industry is a little bit different. Having a strategic plan for content and where to post that content is an important first step. Many businesses know they need to be on social media but don’t always see the value of using it. Just remember, you may not be “social” but your audience is. One of the biggest advantages of using social media in your business is building trust and relationships.
Create content with like-minded people within your Cary industry! Schedule time to meet with another business owner and create content. It could be a photo of the two of you or interview them on just one piece of advice. When you upload the content as a social media post, make sure to tag their business.
Localize your business. When posting on Instagram, select a location. Use your city name as a hashtag. People may be looking for a hairstylist and search on #hairsaloncary. There are over 100 posts, which isn’t overused and localizes you.
Generate content consistently. One of the biggest hurdles to social media is feeding it. Develop a system that works for your business to create images and videos every month. Pick a topic that you are passionate about and your customers will find valuable or useful. Schedule time each week or month to think about content that will work, then work on developing that content. Be persistent and stay consistent.
Give people a reason to follow you on social media. Please don’t say “Find Us on Facebook”. Only your most loyal customers will take the time to find you on Facebook and follow your page. For your social media marketing strategy to be successful you need a lot of followers or else no one will see your content. It’s your job to give them a reason to follow you and communicate that reason to the public.
Build relationships. Your smartphone gives you access to all your social media profiles while you are on the go. Notifications will show when someone has commented on a post which gives you the opportunity to respond. By responding you open the door for the person to reply. Invite the person to “like” your page and remind them to send a message if they have any further questions.
Make a dry topic come alive. There may be some areas of your business or certain industries, such as financial, insurance or mortgage, that are “dry” or boring. Either dig into your customers “why” or be creative with how you post. Emotions sell. Why does someone need your business? Did they just have a baby or are they expecting? What can you do to talk to them with what they are interested in and relate it back to your business? Instead of a blog article, can you put that content into a video?
Don’t post about your product or service every time. This is the fastest way to lose followers and decrease engagement. People are on social media to be entertained and talk with friends and family. Even though they “follow” your page, doesn’t mean they will see your content. Posting creatively about how you’ve helped a customer, the benefit of a service, or what NOT to do with your product, gives your content a higher probability it will be consumed.
Q&A Videos. Make a list of all the questions and objections you get during the sales presentation. Each question can be its own short video. Open with the question, do a brief (and I mean brief) introduction of yourself, then provide an answer as if you were talking to the person. Use these videos on YouTube, blogs, and social media content.
If you need help utilizing social media by creating a marketing plan or creating and posting content, Cary Digital Marketing can help.