9.13.2013

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.

4 comments:

  1. Live streaming is the latest fad on social media so make sure to get live with your audience from time to time.
    Live streaming would give you a more intimate space with your viewers and encourage them to interact with you more often. It would allow more personal interaction with your audience in real time.
    You can also share your live videos later, so that those who have missed out the live streaming can view them again. A tour of your business, a demonstration of your products or an interview with the creators are some of the possible content which can be created with a live video.
    Make sure to make the most out of the apps which allows you to go live directly from the blog.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Live streaming is the latest fad on social media so make sure to get live with your audience from time to time.
    Live streaming would give you a more intimate space with your viewers and encourage them to interact with you more often. It would allow more personal interaction with your audience in real time.
    You can also share your live videos later, so that those who have missed out the live streaming can view them again. A tour of your business, a demonstration of your products or an interview with the creators are some of the possible content which can be created with a live video.
    Make sure to make the most out of the apps which allows you to go live directly from the blog.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I believe that a social media consultant must be attuned to the company goals and aspirations if he or she is to represent them on their social media channels. I also think that outsourcing social media marketing is a good idea for a company looking to specialize in their core business. In any case, most businesses outsource marketing and advertising and I don’t see why social media marketing should be any different. You just need to be actively involved to ensure that you are represented in the way that you want

    ReplyDelete
  4. I believe that a social media consultant must be attuned to the company goals and aspirations if he or she is to represent them on their social media channels. I also think that outsourcing social media marketing is a good idea for a company looking to specialize in their core business. In any case, most businesses outsource marketing and advertising and I don’t see why social media marketing should be any different. You just need to be actively involved to ensure that you are represented in the way that you want

    ReplyDelete