A beautiful sunset, the perfect wave, a mouthwatering plate of food, inspired interior design, that must-have outfit, and… the list goes on. These are the things people share online. Images of what they want, what they need, and what they think their friends will like.
Social media is really just social sharing. People share experiences, stories, information, news and interests. All of this sharing stimulates conversation, validation and ultimately, purchases. As business owners, it is this last action that we are most interested in. Purchases equal revenue, but to get the purchase, we must become part of the sharing.
So, how do you get people to include you in their social sharing? Believe it or not, the answer is simple, get involved.
Launching a website, buying pay-per-click ads, creating social media accounts, these are all just first steps to harnessing the web to grow your business. Is it enough to join the chamber of commerce and never go to a chamber function? If you want to connect with people you have to be active.
Here are five things you can do to increase you social sharing success:
Connect:
After you create your web profiles, you need to let people know you are there. Search for people from your database by uploading emails into the social and business networks. Incorporate your web profiles in your print marketing pieces, email blasts and in your business. Finally, after you meet a potential client or strategic partner at a business function, look to connect with them online.
People visit social networks daily, don't miss that opportunity to connect with them.
Communicate:
Never forget the 'social' in social media. People want to be talked to, not talked at, so treat social media like you would a real life social gathering. Say hello to people, ask them questions, pay attention to what they share online, and most importantly be genuine in your interactions.
Content:
Remember that game at the arcade where the moles pop up out of holes and you have to hit them with a soft mallet? That's social media. It's a moving target and just when you think you have it figured out, they change it on you!
It's frustrating, I know, but there is one thing that does not change and that is what interests people. If you share content that people want, it won't matter how much a social platform changes, people will search you out.
The fastest way to get someone's attention is with images. If you do not believe me, check out the newest craze Pinterest.com.
Pinterest, is a combination of pin and interest, people digitally pin images to boards that express their interests. As a business owner you can use this site to share your personal and business interests, to connect with individuals that share the same interests, and showcase your services and products in a creative non-salesy way.
It is also a great platform to use as a spring board for the other social networks.
Collaborate:
Find local businesses, individuals, and strategic partners to work with online. Trying to go it alone is hard and unnecessary. There are tons of businesses out there trying to do the same thing you are. If you work together, you will increase your chances for success.
Consistency:
Stay the course. Rome wasn't built in a day and social media will not produce clients in a day either. Social media does allow you to connect with people daily, and there is no other marketing tool available that gives this kind of access, but it takes time to build a relationship. If you get involved and stay consistent you will reap the rewards.
Ayers can be reached at [email protected]
Social media is really just social sharing. People share experiences, stories, information, news and interests. All of this sharing stimulates conversation, validation and ultimately, purchases. As business owners, it is this last action that we are most interested in. Purchases equal revenue, but to get the purchase, we must become part of the sharing.
So, how do you get people to include you in their social sharing? Believe it or not, the answer is simple, get involved.
Launching a website, buying pay-per-click ads, creating social media accounts, these are all just first steps to harnessing the web to grow your business. Is it enough to join the chamber of commerce and never go to a chamber function? If you want to connect with people you have to be active.
Here are five things you can do to increase you social sharing success:
Connect:
After you create your web profiles, you need to let people know you are there. Search for people from your database by uploading emails into the social and business networks. Incorporate your web profiles in your print marketing pieces, email blasts and in your business. Finally, after you meet a potential client or strategic partner at a business function, look to connect with them online.
People visit social networks daily, don't miss that opportunity to connect with them.
Communicate:
Never forget the 'social' in social media. People want to be talked to, not talked at, so treat social media like you would a real life social gathering. Say hello to people, ask them questions, pay attention to what they share online, and most importantly be genuine in your interactions.
Content:
Remember that game at the arcade where the moles pop up out of holes and you have to hit them with a soft mallet? That's social media. It's a moving target and just when you think you have it figured out, they change it on you!
It's frustrating, I know, but there is one thing that does not change and that is what interests people. If you share content that people want, it won't matter how much a social platform changes, people will search you out.
The fastest way to get someone's attention is with images. If you do not believe me, check out the newest craze Pinterest.com.
Pinterest, is a combination of pin and interest, people digitally pin images to boards that express their interests. As a business owner you can use this site to share your personal and business interests, to connect with individuals that share the same interests, and showcase your services and products in a creative non-salesy way.
It is also a great platform to use as a spring board for the other social networks.
Collaborate:
Find local businesses, individuals, and strategic partners to work with online. Trying to go it alone is hard and unnecessary. There are tons of businesses out there trying to do the same thing you are. If you work together, you will increase your chances for success.
Consistency:
Stay the course. Rome wasn't built in a day and social media will not produce clients in a day either. Social media does allow you to connect with people daily, and there is no other marketing tool available that gives this kind of access, but it takes time to build a relationship. If you get involved and stay consistent you will reap the rewards.
Ayers can be reached at [email protected]