5 Ways to Make Social Media Work for Your Business

I’m inspired to talk about social media this week, as it keeps coming up in client conversations…

“…yeah, and I need to… ‘do’ all that social media stuff.” As if it were something you might just “do”.

As with any worthwhile endeavor, whether business or personal, building a social media presence takes time, hard work, and commitment (argh, what a bummer!) 😉 The shift to online marketing that has taken place in the past decade is no different. The move to social media marketing, where we are today, demands the same effort.

Commit to Social Media

Just as it took time to gain market share “back in the day,” just as it took time to build an online presence for your business a few short years ago, building an audience through social media takes time. It can’t be done overnight. You must commit, be consistent, and be relentless in your pursuit of the social media audience. You can’t just “turn it on” next month and expect to see sales go through the roof. Business doesn’t work that way.

Share yourself

Getting a little bit personal is expected in social media. Getting too personal though is unprofessional. Be friendly, be personable and show some personality, but keep the really private stuff to yourself.

Share your business

If you can reflect your personality in your business you will go a long way to creating a loyal audience, which will translate into increased business for you. When people walk through the door of any business they see, or feel, the influence of the owner or management. Try for the same effect on your business page. Let them see your commitment to quality here, just as you would in your store.

Share other resources

It’s sad but true, you are not the only source of valuable information within your niche or market. Ignoring other sources of quality information in an effort to capture an audience just won’t work in the long run. In fact, sharing valuable information from other sources, maybe even your competition, can build respect – and loyalty from your audience. The more you share, the more you show you care.

Post original content

Keep it fresh, keep it relevant, keep it timely, and your content will be “shared” and “followed” as you want it to be. Snippets from original posts to your site will generate traffic. Original content with links to your own site, and others, will generate interest from your audience, and their followers.

If you’re having trouble doing all of this yourself, there is help available. Just as with any business specialty, social media consulting is out there for you to use, and they can help you get it all done, or get it “boom, done” for you.