How To Turn Followers into Customers

It is a given that small businesses today are searching for ways to improve their social media presence and gain more followers.  However, for those small businesses that have already achieved a solid fan base, the search shifts to now finding ways of turning current followers into long-lasting customers.  Here are several ways to convert Facebook “likes,” Twitter “re-tweets,” and LinkedIn “connects” into actual sales:

1.   Develop a Posting Plan

image via Mashable

The first step in devising a social media strategy should always be to develop a posting plan.  Schedule posts by creating an editorial calendar and implementing it according to company sales, trending topics and community events.  An example of this would be to create content or research relevant articles, and use Facebook’s activity log to schedule when each post will be published.  This consistency will draw followers into a routine of reading your social media page and become aware enough to purchase your product.  In addition, a clear posting plan will give you more time to focus on your business.

2.   Change your Editorial Voice

It is a necessity that every small business utilizes the correct editorial voice that accurately conveys their company.  For instance, a CPA firm with a social media site should remain very professional, and include very, clear words for those followers that don’t understand all the finance terminology.  In contrast, a clothing boutique should be very conversational and engaging, while a service company should be informative and reassuring.  In addition, Facebook posts should be between 200-300 words and include a call to action (share advice, ask questions, or offer new information).  With an editorial voice that properly conveys your company, followers will fully grasp your purpose and be eager to purchase your product.

3.   Cross-Promote your Content

image via FourthSource

Without a doubt, content should cross-promote through all your available social media sites.  To explain, content posted on Facebook should be: linked on Twitter, shared on LinkedIn, and perhaps even talked about on Instagram or Pinterest.  By cross-promoting your content, your small business will drive in more traffic, build up more interest and encourage followers to purchase your product.

4. Send out a Newsletter

MailChimp offers free newsletter templates, which SFM currently utilizes.

Newsletters act as an important platform for connecting with people.  Everyday, customers are flooded with telephone, television and online advertising, and sometimes your own business can get lost within the mix.  Thus, it is important to create content that engages customers and encourages them to purchase your product.  A newsletter provides a great layout for organizing content in an accessible and appealing way.  In addition, it gives your business a chance to really gain the attention of your followers by being personable with them, and hopefully, turning them into loyal, long-term customers.  Several ideas to make your newsletter unique include: promoting new specials, hosting exclusive giveaway contests, showing involvement in a community event or charity, sharing informative articles, and using technology to distribute coupons. 

So there you have it!  By incorporating these short, simple tips into your marketing strategy, you can begin engaging your current followers and turn them into lifelong customers.  For more information, please contact Social Fox Media today.

By: Jessica Zell, Social Fox Media

For more information on how to take your social media marketing to the next level, 

contact Social Fox Media today.

Five Ways Starbucks Brews Social Media Success

image via BundlePost

It is undeniable that Starbucks is one of the most successful corporate companies across the world.  Its focus on serving quality content and superior customer service has surpassed many of its competitors and continues to be a growing success.  Starbucks has also embraced the world of social media, which has made a valuable impact on its business and its customers.  Believe or not, we can really learn from the company we all know and love about the advantages of social media.  Here are five ways how:

1.  Starbucks Cross Promotes

When Starbucks creates content or captures a photograph, it is integrated across all of its social media platforms, including Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram and even Pinterest.  The exposure Starbucks receives is powerful and it establishes committed customers as well as interested leads.  Cross promoting is so important for small businesses because it distributes your content among more networks, thus leading to more visibility and traffic to your brand. 

2.  Posts are Timely and Thought-Out

image via Starbucks Instagram

As spontaneous as Starbucks inspiring posts and creative photos may seem – they’re actually completely thought out and timed for publishing.  Just the other day, I recently “liked” a photo off their Instagram that displayed the famous Starbucks coffee cup wrapped in a colorful, knitted koozie with fall leaves floating in the background.  The photo received over 50,000 likes and the best part: it was timed perfectly for fall around the corner and it sparked excitement for the seasonal comeback of the “Pumpkin Spice Latte.”  Timed publishing allows a business to focus in on their marketing strategy and utilize what content will gain the most viewers and shares. 

3.  Community Support is Consistent

Starbucks "All You Need is Love" CD supporting (RED)

Starbucks also bases their content around social trends, topics and even certain causes that are in need of charity.  Relating to charity, Starbucks strongly supports an array of causes and organizations.  Furthermore, their support is consistent and the company constantly gives customers a reason their purchase will benefit the community.  A small business that is consistent with its values and ties them into a beneficial gain for customers will earn greater trust and sales. 

4.  Social Media Presence Reflects Service

image via Starbucks Twitter

It is one aspect to have a trendy and thoughtful social media presence, but if that presence does not reflect how treat your customers--it is irrelevant.  Starbucks is founded upon superior customer service: from cheerful employees that greet you in the early morning to remaking a drink of yours for free to providing an atmosphere of complete comfort, the list goes on.  Thus, the reason Starbucks is able to maintain such a strong social media presence is because customers know the way the company portrays themselves online is the real deal.  Consider your own company’s social media presence and make sure it reflects your customer service. 

5.  It is All About the Customer 

At the end of the day, Starbucks main priority is its customers.  Specifically, instead of focusing on solely gaining new customers, Starbucks continues to cultivate relationships with its current customers.  Their marketing strategy includes customer engagement, customer rewards and their unique “My Starbucks Idea” website.

image via Starbucks Instagram

The company recently engaged customers through a mobile campaign utilizing SMS (Short Message Service) and MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service).   The SMS portion helped identify the technological device customers are using in order to deliver the best promotions.  The MMS portion encouraged customers to share their Starbucks experiences via hashtag with the chance of being featured on the company’s Instagram or Twitter.  Customer engagement is so important because it drives traffic to your company and creates a personalized experience that leaves customers coming back for more. 

Additionally, Starbucks rewards its customers for their returns.  With “My Starbucks Rewards,” customers can earn free refills, drinks and even a special birthday gift.  Customers can easily register for a card at the store or online.   The program is also available on mobile through the free Starbucks app, which has taken over social media due to its convenience.  Furthermore on social media, Starbucks rewards customers for “Liking” and “Sharing” certain posts published on Facebook.  Rewards are both an incentive for customers and a way for a company to show their true appreciation, which in turn grows success.

Most unique, Starbucks continues to brew its success through the “My Starbucks Idea” website.  Overall, the site acts as a crowd-sourcing tool, gathering information and brainstorming ideas from customers and even employees.  Additionally, it encourages customers to submit ideas including: a free drink on your birthday, a request for vegan alternatives or new ingredients for more signature coffee drinks.  Ideas can be publicly viewed, discussed and even include a status update if Starbucks has reviewed or launched the concept.  The active interaction creates a complete online community that engages customers to be apart of optimizing the brand.  The social media platform is convenient, accessible and allows Starbucks to be the best coffee experience out there.

Starbucks continues to live up to its mission “to inspire and nurture the human spirit--one person, one cup and one neighborhood at a time.”  The company includes a social media strategy that values its customers, which is something every small business can learn from.  To begin brewing your own success, contact Social Fox Media for more information!

By: Jessica Zell, Social Fox Media

For more information on how to take your social media marketing to the next level, 

contact Social Fox Media today.

the evolution of google+ for small businesses

image via MojoMediaLabs

A Guide to Getting Started and 5 Ways Google+ Can Benefit Your Small Business

The world of social media has revolutionized once again.  With the release of Google+ in 2011, the Internet gained yet another social media outlet.  However, this isn’t just like any other trending platform.  Today, Google+ holds 359 million active users, which is ahead of Twitter’s 200 million active users.  It is said there are power in numbers, but just what exactly has million of users utilizing Google+?  Here is a guide to getting started on Google+ and the success it can have on your small business:

Setting Up a Personal, Professional Profile

The first step in creating a presence for your small business is setting up a personal Google+ account.  To begin, you must create a Gmail account.  If you already have one that is a personal account (not business), begin by visiting Google+ and inputting your basic information.  From there, there are a few elements that will achieve an acknowledged profile.

image via KISSMetrics

• Cover photo: The cover photo is 2120x1192 pixels.  This means you want to have a high quality, high-resolution image that is unique compared to the generic cover photos Google+ offers.
• Story:  The story section will include your Tagline, Introduction and an optional Bragging Rights sub-section.  Your story is important because if you are searched on Google, your tagline will appear along with 77 characters of your introduction.  Thus, you will want your tagline to include basic keywords that summarize yourself and your introduction should be clear and captivating.

image via KISSMetrics

image via KISSMetrics

• Links: Links are important for Google+ authorship, which we will cover later.  Links will include a direct connection to your other social media websites, as well as a special “Contributor To” sub-section.  Contributor To will allow you to claim credit for content you created on the web and include a direct link to that content. 

Tip: A business website should be included in your introduction, in addition to the links section because links tend be position towards the bottom of a Google+ profile.

Let’s Get Down to Business

image via KISSMetrics

After creating a personal Google+ profile, you can now create a Google+ business page choosing from a category of: Local, Product, Brand, Company, Institution, Organization, Arts or Entertainment.  A business page will include your basic tagline and introduction, as well as a Mission and Company Overview section.  This can be utilized to give viewers a complete overview of your company and hopefully one that is insightful and inspiring.  In addition, if you do not already have a Google Places listing, you should create a local Google+ page.  The difference of a local Google+ page is that it simply includes your basic address, phone number and website, which will appear when viewers search for you within the area.  Google will then verify this information through phone or postcard.

The + For Small Business

Getting started on Google+ is easily explained, however the success it can have your business can be more abstract to understand why Google+ is so powerful.  To help, Social Fox Media has researched 5 ways Google+ can significantly benefit your small business:

1.    A SEO Boost

Google is the number one search engine without question.  Therefore, a Google+ profile and business page can gain significant Search Engine Optimization (SEO).  However, in order to be indexed on the first page of Google, you must have an established profile and business page with quality content.  In addition, content with great rankings will stay indexed longer, even up to a full year, on the first page.  Finally, a direct connection can be linked back to your business website.

2.    More Credibility and Visibility with Google+ Authorship

Google+ Authorship allows for you to gain credit for content you created by listing content under the “Contributed To” section mentioned earlier.  Also, once similar content is searched, your profile picture will appear next to the content. This credibility will lead to more visibility of your content, Google+ profile and business page and even your business website.   

3.    Expand Content Distribution

With millions of active users, Google+ is another way to expand your content distribution.  Google+ posts can include text, photos, videos and links.  Also, the @ and # symbols work the same way they do on Facebook and Twitter.  Content distributed through a Google+ profile and business page can be more strongly ranked and indexed on the first page of Google.

4.    Segment Your Audience with Circles

Circles is a special feature of Google+ because though it acts as a typical Contacts feature, it has the ability to categorize people based on “circles” you come up with.  By segmenting your audience, you can blast out content that is appealing to each circle.  This content can catch the eye of a new lead or confirm a committed customer.  In addition, a separate circle of employees can allow for private content to be distributed.

5.    Better Customer Service

The success of a small business comes down to its customers.  Google+ embraces customer service through its new Hangout feature, which allows for live video chats for up to 10 people or can even be used for live broadcast streaming.  Hangout can be utilized for online meetings, discussion amongst customers, one-on-one interviews, a webinar or even a special Q&A segment. 

In addition, business pages allows for customer reviews and the ability for you to comment on them.  This means you can express your appreciation for positive feedback or offer a solution to negative comments.  People will feel more of a connection to a business that is personable to its customers.

Think about when you are curious about a business…The first thing you do is “Google it” for more information, reviews and hopefully something that confirms a confidence in you.  Now think about what you want others to see when they "Google" your business.  Google+ is quickly becoming the dominant social media platform that people and businesses are utilizing.  Begin your Google+ experience with Social Fox Media today!

By: Jessica Zell, Social Fox Media

For more information on how to take your social media marketing to the next level, 

contact Social Fox Media today.

the great impact linkedin contacts could have on your business

Today, LinkedIn is undoubtedly the quintessential tool for networking in the professional world.  With the millions of members growing rapidly every day, it has become imperative to have an account to establish a professional image in a desired field.   Furthermore, with an account comes a variety of connections ranging from personal family and friends to boss and co-workers to new employment opportunities and finally most important for business advancement, new leads.  With that, it is most exciting that LinkedIn has launched a new, innovative program called “LinkedIn Contacts,” which makes it easy for users to organize, build and maintain all of their relationships with contacts in one place.  LinkedIn Contacts truly has the potential for businesses to engage with new leads, build a personalized relationship and ultimately, develop into a lasting client.

Getting Started

The great aspect of LinkedIn Contacts is that it has the ability to sync all contacts from Gmail, Yahoo, Microsoft Outlook and even an iPhone Address Book.  To begin, simply log in to LinkedIn and selecting ‘Contacts’ under the ‘Network’ tab.  Once you are redirected, click ‘Contacts’ and begin synching selected email or iPhone accounts.  Finally, contacts will then appear seamlessly, all in one place.

LinkedIn Contacts can also be downloaded from the Apple App Store to an iPhone.  It should be noted that ‘Contacts’ is a separate application from the LinkedIn application.  Overall, the new program is entirely designed for convenience.

image via Melonie Dodaro

Personalizing Relationships

As a business, it can be challenging to manage contacts and remember important information about them that help a relationship move forward.

On the main page of LinkedIn Contacts, there are six different filters available including:

• ·      Recent Conversations
• ·      Newly Added
• ·      Alphabetical
• ·      Company
• ·      Location
• ·      Lost Touch

This ability allows a business to easily decipher contacts and find the exact person they wish to view, message or call.

In addition, LinkedIn Contacts gives a business the capability to personalize a relationship with a contact privately, with the information only visible to you.  By clicking on a contact’s profile under the new ‘Relationship’ tab, there are several options that can enhance your memory and relationship of them, which include:

• ·      Note: A note can include anything about the new lead or client that specifically identifies them.  It can also include a reminder to yourself that you need to set a meeting with them in the near future.
• ·      Reminder: A reminder is a more advanced ‘Note’ that will notify you directly in the allotted amount of time set.  Reminders can even be regular, ongoing alerts that prompt you to have regular conversations in an attempt to build and grow a relationship.
• ·      How You Met: Certainly one of the most common issues for businesses that are constantly interacting with many contacts is recalling who a person is, where they’re from and how you met.  The ‘How You Met’ tool allows you to record the exact time and place you met a new lead, and even who introduced you to them.
• ·      Tag: Tags allow you to give a specific title to the contact such as “New Leads” or “Possible Partnerships.”  It will group together contacts you give the same tag to and create a new filter on your main ‘Contacts’ page.

LinkedIn Contacts gives businesses the ability to personalize contacts that will help identify the specifics of a person and build a memory of them that will overall enhance your relationship.

image via HubSpot

Always Staying Connected

The success of a business is certainly correlated to a continuous connection with employees, new leads and even established clients.  It is now more than ever easier to always stay connected with LinkedIn Contacts.

The new program has implemented several notifications including meeting dates and times, birthday reminders and an announcement when a fellow contact is promoted to a new job opportunity.  These notifications can have an impact on your business by constantly staying in touch and gaining appreciation from contacts.  LinkedIn Contacts will even notify you if you have “lost touch” with a certain contact and recommend you to message them.

There is also an integration to ‘Contacts’ known as “Trip It,” which will notify you when certain contacts are within location and suggest meeting with them in the area.  Trip It can be downloaded by the ‘Add Contact’ page where you sync contacts.

Finally, LinkedIn Contacts has a separate tab called “Your Day,” which completely displays the events you have planned for the day.  It is also where you have the opportunity to say “Happy Birthday” or “Congratulations” to contacts.

The Impact It Could Have On Your Business

With all the exciting opportunities LinkedIn Contacts offers, it can be overwhelming to get started and begin utilizing all the amazing features.  However, I assure you the program is designed for convenience, accessibility and the opportunity to enhance relationships with contacts.  As a result, this program allows businesses to organize, manage and nurture important relationships that truly lead to a profitable success.  In addition, there are so many other contact opportunities for businesses to discover that go beyond leads and clients including:

• ·      Building relationships with key contacts from companies that could grow into a possible partnership
• ·      Connecting with other media contacts to cover more marketing mediums and gain coverage
• ·      Conversing with potential employers or recruiting new talent

I strongly suggest you to take advantage of LinkedIn Contacts to manage your personal and professional marketing relationships.  For more information, a tutorial is available on their website.

By: Jessica Zell, Social Fox Media

For more information on how to take your social media marketing to the next level, 

contact Social Fox Media today.