Most consumers now connect with companies through the screen of their mobile phone. Therefore, if you want to grow your business, it’s vital to build a large social media following via a range of platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram.
Why Use Social Media?
Social media offers a low cost way to increase your global reach; to make your brand more recognizable; to build trust in your business; and ultimately to give you the potential to increase your level of sales. This is true whatever type of business you have and whether you sell products or services. The reach on social media is so wide you will discover an audience, regardless as to what you offer.
Building Your Following
Once you have your profiles set up it is important to approach building your following from three key angles:
· Great content: The content you put out needs to be high quality and a mix of videos, images, articles and infographics, as this will dramatically increase your chance of the update going viral. Images usually do well, especially on Facebook, as they catch people’s attention when they are scrolling through their timeline, particularly if they are using a small mobile screen to do so.
· Interaction: Building interaction on your profiles is vital. Answer people’s questions and comments and add posts which will encourage your followers to share the item. This will extend your reach to the friends and family of your existing fans.
· Consistency: Social media needs to have a consistent approach. If a profile is seen to be lying dormant, even for a few days, it will quickly lose its growing popularity. Therefore, try to post at least daily. If this proves too big a time commitment then use a scheduling tool to retain a steady flow of posts and then check in live at least once or twice a week to answer comments.
Extending Your Reach
While social media is vital to gain exposure, its effectiveness can be further reinforced by the use of traditional forms of advertising.
Banner Advertising: Large banner advertising is a versatile way to get your message across. Banner adverting can be positioned just about anywhere whether you have a brick and mortar store or are exhibiting at a conference or business event. Include your core advertising message but don’t forget to add your social media handles to extend your reach. You can even include a QR Code which connects directly to your main social media profile, so that people can find you immediately on their smart phones.
Telesales: The traditional methods of warm and cold calling are far from dead and in fact have gained a new lease of life with the introduction of VoIP termination services. As well as standard telephone calls you can now connect to customers through video conferencing, screen share, online chat and instant messaging. With ‘click to call’ buttons in emails and online adverts, it’s now easier and more cost effective than ever to reach clients.
Print Advertising: If you want to explore print advertising don’t think only of local newspaper advertising but also consider niche magazines which often offer discounted pricing. Again include your social media web addresses because if people connect with you online, you can keep in touch with them on an ongoing basis.
Networking and Exhibitions: Finally, networking events and corporate exhibitions are an excellent way to connect with potential clients whether you sell business to business or direct to consumers. Give away marketing materials which include your social media handles and offer an incentive for people to connect with you, maybe a discount coupon, free shipping option or discovery call. Your aim is to grow your online audience so you can retain the relationship and help to build trust in your business.
With social media you may not make a sale the first time someone connects with you, but because they will be continually exposed to your message they will come to recognize your brand and look further at what you offer. Ultimately this can lead to them making a purchase or, just as important, recommending you to their family and friends.
from Darlene Milligan http://ift.tt/1PjUALs via transformational marketing
from Tumblr http://ift.tt/1k91R3T
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