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
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| 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
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| 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
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| 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.
