Social media has dramatically changed the way businesses sell to consumers (or other businesses)…just not in the ways some people assume. Today, more than ever, consumers want to buy on THEIR terms only. That means traditional outbound marketing techniques, such as cold calling or interruptive ads, are no longer the best options available.

For companies big and small, social media provides a previously-unheard-of opportunity to get on the same level as consumers and draw them into the brand. By developing a community on social media, your company can quickly and easily communicate with all who interact with your page. That’s why building a strong social community is so important.

 

Put the social back in social media

Social media influencer Pam Moore says, “You can never go wrong by investing in communities and the human beings within them.” The question is, then, how do businesses harness the power of social media to boost sales? The answer is fairly simple: put the social back in social media.

Though social networks a great place to sell your product or service to a wide audience, that should NOT be your purpose for having a Twitter account or a Facebook page.

Your primary goal for having a social account should be interacting with your customers!

Am I using the right social platforms for my business? Check out this article to find out!

Use content to create conversations

Social platforms provide unique opportunities to find out how your business can use content to create and join conversations that matter to your target audience. Quality content brings users to your page; consistent quality content keeps them there. And, while you can’t expect an audience to show up and start engaging with your company on social media without effort, there are ways to make the task easier.

Tips To Identifying The Content That Matters To Your Audience per Hubspot

  1. Internet Forums

  2. Keyword Research

  3. Popular Industry News

  4. Sales/Support FAQs

  5. Goals & Challenges of Your Customers

Turn your audience into advocates

Once you’ve figured out how to talk to your customers, your next goal should be to turn consumers into brand advocates. In order to accomplish this, you must build trust. Communication is the key to doing just that. Make sure to actively engage with current and potential customers on social media in a timely manner. Work to solve their problems and provide them with an exceptional customer service experience, and you’ll be delighting them. Delighted customers will be your best brand promoters!

 

By The Numbers

If you still aren’t sure that refocusing your sales efforts is worth the time, take a look at social by the numbers. There are currently over 3 BILLION active Internet users. That’s 3 billion potential customers and brand advocates that your company has the opportunity to reach!
 

No matter what industry, we can guarantee someone is trying to reach them…and why not you?