Social media isn't just designed for downloading funny videos or collecting online friends. It can also be the perfect tool for generating sales leads for your business. What makes social media networks so important in marketing?
There is no better way to reach a large audience rapidly than making a connection through social media. Millions of people use YouTube, Twitter and Facebook daily. Other social media sites such as Pinterest and Google+ are growing by leaps and bounds. Many people use social media sites as their preferred method for obtaining the latest news and staying connected with the world.
Direct marketing through social media is a cost effective strategy for building your brand. You connect with new and existing customers while spreading the word about your products and services. The best part is that social media marketing has a low upfront cost and integrates well to enhance existing marketing campaigns.
Using social media to grow your business requires a smart outreach marketing plan. You need to make your business more social media friendly so you can fully embrace the power of this marketing tool.
Involve your whole organization
Marketing through social media is not a one-person job. You need to get everyone involved in building your brand. It is a practical step because fully engaging multiple social media platforms is a full-time job by itself. It also opens the door for additional voices and ideas to be infused into your marketing strategy.
Your marketing message will have a stronger impact when workers and management alike take an active role in sharing it. Customers will see this and be left with an impression that everyone in your organization cares about your brand. Encourage your employees to promote your marketing message among their friends and families in their social media networks.
Build a network through multiple channels
Never make the mistake of putting all your eggs in the same basket. Social media channels operate on the same principle as traditional marketing methods. You need to use many forms of marketing to cast a wide net.
Build up followers through multiple social media networks. Avoid concentrating the bulk of your marketing efforts on a specific channel while ignoring the others. It is impossible to generate every lead from the same source. Focus marketing efforts on a small number of the most effective social media platforms.
Put a real face on your company
People feel more comfortable making a purchase from someone they know rather than a stranger. When your customers know your business, it creates a relationship of trust.
You can build trust by establishing channels for communication. Interact with your social media followers daily. Start conversations. Hold chats with them where they can ask questions and offer feedback. Be responsive to their ideas and opinions. It makes it easier to improve products and services so they appeal to the greatest number of customers.
The best part is customers will feel greater loyalty to your brand. SEO News notes that giving your followers a voice makes them feel like a part of your company. They will value their relationship with your business when their voice is heard and their ideas are valued.
Integrate your brand messaging
Always be consistent in the branding message you use in social media. A consistent voice is easier for people to trust. Educate everyone in your organization involved in social media marketing efforts what to say about your products and services. Wordstream recommends aligning your social media message with the message customers are given through other marketing channels.
That does not mean you shouldn't allow for change and flexibility. Use social media as a chance to get feedback on your messaging. Engage followers in conversation to see what works and what needs improvement. This feedback is valuable but remember that it will not be truly representative. Opinions could be colored by the fact that it represents only those folks who are highly engaged users….so, tread with caution.
Remember Dispatch Media Group's digital team;Dispatch Digital is here to help you incorporate social media into your marketing plans.
