Businesses of all types turn to social media to get the word out about what they’re doing. Whether it’s a local service provider or a corporate chain, if businesses want to market or advertise, sites like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube are the best resources for connecting with customers.
Product-based businesses face extra challenges, since convincing a customer to buy on a channel that currently doesn’t make shopping easy can be difficult. There are a few things business owners can do to move customers from a social media site to an ecommerce site. Here are a few creative ways you can engage customers with your products on various social media platforms.
Add Buy Links
While Facebook’s buy button is still in testing mode, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest have buttons on their paid ads that allow products to be purchased directly through the platform. Even your organic social media marketing efforts can include purchase options, with a link in the description. Every post should include easy-to-find information on how customers can purchase your products.
Include Customers
Today’s visual-driven consumer market is the perfect fit for product-based businesses, since one photo or video of a product can reach customers in a way text never could. Instead of merely blasting product photos on a regular basis, consider these examples using Instagram or Pinterest that include people. It adds intrigue to a page while also making products look compelling.
Host Contests
The goal of any business with a social media profile is to grow its audience. If the same people see every post, you’ll never increase your sales. If you can encourage your customers to share a post with their friends, you’ll introduce your brand to new people who may decide to buy something. One interesting way to increase shares and build your brand is through a Facebook contest like this example, which encouraged people to share photos of their pets for a chance to win.
Tell a Story
Today’s consumers are looking for a deeper connection with a business than a mere purchase. Through brand storytelling, you can win customers over and encourage them to refer your brand to their friends. This can be done through photos, ongoing updates, or video shorts. Airbnb’s Wall and Chain short won a Webby for its innovative animated depiction of a Berlin Wall reunion. The video conveyed its international brand message while also tugging at the heartstrings of viewers, increasing the chances it would get shares and views.
Host a Launch Party
You can generate excitement on social media by planning and promoting a launch party for your latest product. These are especially popular on Facebook and Twitter, where you can generate buzz among your current social media followers. Encourage attendees to invite friends and offer special discounts to those who attend. During the party, engage attendees by posting a series of quiz questions and issuing gifts to those who get the most questions correct.
Show Manufacturing
Some consumers are fascinated by the process that goes into putting a product on the market. Take photos or videos of your product during manufacturing and share them on the appropriate platforms. Invite customers to ask questions about the process and allow them to sign up to be among the first to receive your new product once it hits the market. If a third-party provider makes your products and such a photo session isn’t possible, instead give customers a look at the work your own employees are doing to prepare to package and ship the new item as new orders roll in.
Offer Early Editions
Often software developers release an early beta version of their products to work out any bugs and build buzz. Product developers can use the same concept, accepting signups and promising early editions to the first group of people who respond. Encourage those customers to post about their experience with the product on their own social media accounts and you’ll likely see a big boost in sales.
Social media has become the top spot for business marketers. Getting the word out about your products can be challenging on these platforms, but with the right approach, you’ll find yourself reaching new customers and building long-term relationship with your most loyal buyers.
from Darlene Milligan http://ift.tt/1ScKvwd via transformational marketing
from Tumblr http://ift.tt/1MUpTwS
No comments:
Post a Comment