Your Small Business' Secret Weapon: Social Media
Feeling overwhelmed by the vast world of social media? You're not alone! Many small businesses avoid social media because they don't know how to use it effectively or know what to post. But skipping social media means missing out on a powerful tool to connect with your customers and boost your small business.
Why Should You Care About Social Media?
Free Marketing Magic: Social media platforms are like free billboards for your business. You can reach a wide audience without breaking the bank.
Connect with Your Customers: Social media helps you build relationships, answer questions, and show your human side. A connected customer is a loyal customer.
Boost Your Website Traffic: When you share links to your website on platforms like Instagram Stories, you're just a click away from where your customers are already browsing.
Uncover Hidden Insights: Analyze your posts to see what your audience loves, then use these insights to create more engaging content.
With all this right at your fingertips, why not try social media and see how it can benefit your business? Here are some ways to make social media work for you:
Target Your Target Customer: What are customers most drawn to in what you offer? What do they need and want the most? Even if you know your customer well, making a point to write down the type of person you attract and what most attracts them can help you create posts that speak to them.
Explore Social Media to Find Out What Works: What are businesses like yours doing to attract customers? And, maybe more importantly, what attracts you? Start browsing social media with a canny eye and take notes on the types of posts you want to try. And then… try them!
Take Good Photos and Videos: When you post, you want to put what you offer in its best light, literally! Some ways to do that include: use natural lighting whenever you can (soft sunlight is a beautiful enhancer), incorporate the rule of thirds, and keep the background simple. Most of all, keep practicing! As you do, you will find your own style.
Engage When Others Engage: If someone comments on your post, respond! Even a simple "thank you!" to a positive comment can show that you're paying attention and care what your followers think. If someone reposts something you've posted, reach out and thank them! Occasionally, you may get a negative response. You can decide whether to engage, but responding thoughtfully, calmly, and constructively shows your followers that you're willing to make an effort to resolve problems.
Be a Cheerleader for Other Small Businesses: You can use social media to follow, comment on, and promote other small businesses in your area. Fostering authentic community on social media with small businesses you admire in the same field or in your neighborhood creates a positive vibe that attracts customers, encourages cross-promotion, and draws people to the small business community.
Those are our tips. What are some social media tips that have worked for you?
