Using social media for your business is all well and good, but are you creating the customer engagement you’re aiming for? If the answer is no, then have a look at these five tips to improve your social media usage, and ensure that your social media is appealing to your audience.
1. Use Images to speak to your audience
You’ve all heard the phrase “a picture speaks a thousand words” but it really is true, and it’s a vital tool you can use on social media to engage with your audience. Images add to what you’re saying; so make sure you use an image that expresses what you’re saying in your post, and also ensure that they stand out so that people notice them.
2. Use colour
Along a similar theme of standing out, color really appeals to an audience and catches their attention. Make sure the colours you use represent your brand, such as the same colours you use in your logo, so that you keep the same theme across all of your platforms.
3. Chose your words wisely
Social media gets information across in small bite size chunks – so make sure your posts aren’t too long or people simply won’t read them. Also, make sure the words you do use are ones your target audience can relate to, and ones that also relate to your brand. Use words that grab attention, and words that you know your audience will like or want to hear.
4. Connect on an emotional level
Your social media presence will improve greatly if you connect with your audience emotionally, especially when it’s something happy or positive. Your audience are always feeling emotions when they are on social media, so if your post is lighthearted, sparks a positive emotion, or even goes as far as cheering someone up if they’re having a bad day, they are more likely to engage with your company, and keep coming back for more.
5. Keep the conversation going
Social media is all about connecting, and so conversation is vital. Responding to your audience, replying to questions, or just having general interaction will ensure people like your brand and think positively about it. But don’t just wait for your audience to interact with you. One way you can spark conversation is by asking a question on your social media post, or by asking people to share images related to your post. It will show that you care about your audience and want to talk to them!
Of course there are more ways to improve your interaction and connect with your audience; but follow these five tips and you’ll be well on your way to ensuring that your social media engagement is A*!
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This article was originally featured on Social Media Makes Sense and was written by Jo Booth. Jo is a social media trainer & strategist helping businesses connect with the right people using social media.