Social media is hard. I don’t have time for it. I don’t know anyone that is getting any results. I don’t like it. blah blah blah
I heard it all; excuses from small business owners who are still resisting jumping on board with one of the most powerful and cheap forms of marketing. That’s fine. More head start for those who are already embracing it.
Whether you are already rocking it or trying to learn how to do social media right, this article is written for you.
Here are 7 simple steps to increase you influence, impact and income on social media
1 – Keep in mind that social media is about building relationship not campaigns.
Yes, it is a great marketing tool, but over promotion can bite you in the butt (pardon my French). Recent survey of UK Facebook users shows that users dislike the brands that are over-sellsy. Don’t just post stuff and leave. Be engaging with your fans and other pages.
2 – Listening is a skill that pays off
If you talk all the time, you never get a change to get to know the other person. You might not care but if you are running a business, you need to know what your customers think. If you don’t know, how can you market to them successfully? So take interest in others, engage and don’t be that boring person at the party that just stays in the corner.
3 – Don’t act like you’re working for CIA
We’re sometimes so secretive and precious about our life, especially when it comes to using social media for business. Yes, you are allowed to talk about your personal stuff. Of course we want your page to be professional and relevant; however people love to hear interesting personal things. Reveal your interesting habits, hobbies, events you attend. This makes you appear more real and human…
4 – Understand ‘culture’ of different social media platforms and tweak your message to suit.
People who use Pinterest are different to people who Tweet or Digg. Make sure you understand what the social media culture is and tweak your messages accordingly so that they are relevant to users.
5 – First impression counts
Take time and thing about how you want to present yourself on different social media platforms. People are visual. Use cover photos to your advantage; make them interesting, change them regularly and use the form promotion (if allowed). Profile pictures should be your logo, to build your brand awareness and for people to easily recognise your posts.
6 – Think before you type
Fast fingers and anger don’t go well together. Avoid posting negative and derogative comments. Don’t use social media for your ‘venting’. I’m not saying you shouldn’t share your opinions, but remember, it’s there forever. Also, people are attracted to people with great positive energy, so wouldn’t you rather be known as a ‘feel good’ business or a grumpy one?
7 – Test, measure, tweak
Testing what works for your audience is a must. Don’t give up if engagement is slow. It takes time to get the ‘formula right’. Don’t be scared to try new things. Mix things up. Don’t take yourself too serious…and be human.
Oh, and if you stuff up – acknowledge, apologise and make things right. We all make mistake…even Superheros…
If you follow these simple social media tips you will soon see more following, engagement and influence. And once you have trust and loyalty, with that comes more income too.
Sharing is caring – and if you found these tips useful or know someone else who might – go ahead and share!
