Marketing with social media has proven itself as a great funnel for lead generation. Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, and more are fantastic for customer service. Plus, social media is all-around fun.
Every business should embrace social media as part of their marketing efforts.
Here, now, are some of the many ways you can use these channels to grow your business and brand. Try one or all these tactics if you want to succeed.
Tip #1: Be Authentic
People flock to social media to interact with others. It just so happens that businesses and brands go on board with it, too. The problem is that many brands use the platforms as a soapbox instead of a round table.
People will see through your attempts and spot if you’re not authentic! They stop listening once they realize it.
How can you be authentic on social media?
- Share your opinions and ideas
- Promote content (and others) you like
- Follow-up questions and spark conversations
Be the best version of your self and the business you represent. Or, define social media guidelines so your brand delivers value to its community.
Tip #2: Automate (Some Of It)
Let automation tools handle simple social media marketing tasks:
- Content scheduling and posting
- Curating and resharing stuff
- Alerts and integrations
- Reporting and analytics
Use that free time provided by automation to spend more of it on personal interactions. This circles back to the idea of being authentic.
Tip #3: Collaborate
Connecting with people and brands is what makes social media such a fun and powerful tool. You, as a business, can gain from these connections the same as you would on a personal account.
- Look up brands in your niche and industry
- Reach out and find a way to collab on a content piece
- Foster the relationship and try working on larger projects
- Share everything on social media (pics, videos, news, etc)
A company selling wall pack lights could link up with a security brand. A small business selling bikes could collab with a charity. An indie game company could work with a streamer. The possibilities are endless because so many people are out there to collaborate!
Tip #4: Explore Ad Channels
Social media advertising platforms are incredibly powerful and robust. You’ll get to control nearly every aspect of the campaign. Plus, you’ll pay a fraction compared to traditional ad channels.
Getting started is quick and easy:
- Set up an ad account
- Select your target audience
- Create/upload ad creative
- Fund the account
- Run the campaign
Facebook ads are probably your best bet when first exploring social ads. Once you get the hang of it, try Twitter, LinkedIn, and the others. They tend to operate the same way so you could repeat successful campaigns across each.
Bonus: Learn what works in the ads to update and curate the marketing tactics used on the free side of the channels.
Tip #5: Get Visual
Great photos and videos will reach more people on social media. Visuals are easier-to-share and are often the fun part of the platforms. So, share great visuals whenever you get the chance versus text-only posts.
Use whatever resources you have already, too:
- Images from the company blog or product pages
- Videos captured at company events and parties
- Streaming videos, webinars, or screen shares
The Real Secret to Marketing With Social Media
Dedication is one secret of success when marketing with social media. The other is consistency. These two create engagement, leading to relationships and sales. The desirable results won’t happen if you’re dropping in and out.
So… commit to making social media as one of your main marketing channels.
What else can you do to carve out a niche for your business? Be sure to check out the rest of our articles.