Presented by Christina Johnson, Strategic Solutions Account Executive, and Business Development Consultant. Focused on several mistakes that businesses want to avoid when developing their social media presence.
It is imperative that businesses use social media in today’s environment. Not only do businesses have to engage their customers and champions on social media platforms, they have to do so in a way that customers will listen.
Today, over 50% of online adults use two or more social media sites on a regular basis. Over 80% of CEO’s and high-level executives say they use social media to help make purchasing decisions.
There are several mistakes that businesses want to avoid when developing their social media presence.
First, do not expect the return on investment to be immediate. Social media helps to build your brand and develop leads, it does not typically drive a direct response. Be patient and be consistent!
Second, make sure you have a presence on multiple platforms that are key for your target market.
Next, make sure you have a plan and are consistent in your posts. Using a weekly or monthly posting calendar and scheduling your posts in advance can help keep you stay on top of the posts. Make sure you have “themes” for the week so that all your posts on the multiple platforms have a consistent message.
Avoid the ad speak! Do not always post about the business, make sure you give potential customers information they want or need as well. As a general rule, post sale or product information only 1-2 times per week and post relevant information or engaging questions the rest of the time. The goal is to build relationships with your followers and a constant push of your business will push them away.
Lastly, make it personal! Post pictures, event information, community involvement recaps and get your followers involved. Customers like doing business with people who are like them, so make them feel like a part of the family.