Have you been told that you must get your business on social media? I bet you have! Everyone knows that they should be on social platforms.The question is where to start? Do you know what to expect? How will I manage it? What is my strategy? These are the big questions that need to be answered before starting on social media. Before you jump off the deep end, let me share with you a few social media tips for your business .
Social Media Tips for Business Owners
You must have a plan before you even consider starting
Before you get out there, you will need a plan or a roadmap to help guide you. If you don’t have a plan, you’ll have no way of measuring the benefits you will gain from social media. Are you going to use social media to promote your website and share content? Are you searching for new clients or business connections? Will you be trying to engage current clients? Do you want to become an influencer in your field? THESE are the questions that you need to answer in advance before starting a social media campaign or building a presence online.
Success on Social Media will take time and effort
Until you have an established online presence, you will not see quick results. The first step is to start making connections with influencers and serving your audience. Becoming a social media mover and shaker takes time and know-how. Don't be too quick to declare that it doesn’t work for your business model. Give yourself a little grace to learn how before you throw in the towel
Check out what the competition is doing
You should set yourself apart from all the noise on social media. You don’t have to reinvent the wheel. Checkout your competition on social media and see what they are doing right and how you could do it better. Don’t be a carbon copy of what’s already out there. Be a stand out from the get go! Do it right but do it with an edge! Try bringing something new to the table!
Be smart with your social media management team
Hiring a team or individual to run your social media campaign is smart, but be sure they are professionals. Just because a person has a Facebook account, does not mean they know how to market a business on social media. Be certain your social media manager and you are on the same page. Have a plan and make certain that everyone “gets” it!
Put some effort into your profiles
Your Social Media profiles are extremely important. Make certain to reference your company website and have a consistent message across the board. Think about what your fans and followers should know about your company. Use nice photos and graphics and keep everything up to date.
Tell everyone you’re on social media
Add social media icons to your website to connect your social profiles on all platforms. Make sure email subscribers know how they can connect with you and include that information in any of your advertisements. Never miss a chance to share your social media profiles with the public. This will increase and grow your following!
Remember why it’s called “social” media
One of the biggest things that business owners must learn is the focus should always be on the "social". People are on social media to have fun and to share interesting information. Make sure your social media is a balance of helpful information, fun, and inspiring post. Avoid constant selling and marketing if you intend to develop a following via social media.
Graciously sharing content from others
Sharing useful content from experts in your industry is a great way to meet new people and to be seen as a hub of useful information. This concept is really different than tradition marketing. Normally, You would never help promote the competition but social media is a whole new ball game. It sounds crazy if you’ve never used this form of social marketing, but it’s how social media is done!
Respond and engage with your followers
Always respond to comments and questions from your audience. You can’t build a following unless you engage with your fan base. Remember, your fans are the life blood of your social media. Fall in love with your e-mail subscribers, Twitter followers, and Facebook fans. Nurture your relationship with them like a parent does with child. Before you know it, the feeling will be mutual. They will love sharing your content and will be recommending their friends and followers buy from you!
Summary of Social Media Tips For Business Owners
To reach your goals, you should be developing products, growing your e-mail list, and making sales. Make every effort to connect in a meaningful way with your followers.Your Social media strategy should complement your marketing activities, not replace it. Being consistent, using your platforms correctly, and having a plan.These are the vital steps to building a successful online business.
What's your plan? What's your pain point? Do you know something important that's not on this list? Share your questions, comments or tips in the comments below!
