You have a shiny new website and maybe you’re getting some organic search traffic, but are looking for other ways to attract visitors. Of course you should be looking at social media to improve your presence, but you don’t know too much about it or perhaps you have limited time, resources or money to spend in social and don’t know where to devote your attention. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular social sites and how each one can help you.
Time was Facebook was the way to go. You would add your company or website, gain some followers, make some posts and wham, everything was coming together. However, with Facebook changing the way their algorithm works, it’s no longer as beneficial for free publicity. Now, even though people might be following your brand, they are not getting your posts. So should you still be using Facebook? Yes, but only if you have a budget to promote posts. Getting your word out on Facebook is no longer free and organic, so if you have money to spend, Facebook is still the way to go.
Twitter is all about being instant. Does your brand need instant communication with customers? Is your brand time sensitive? Does your brand have constant communication with customers? Does your brand need a help or support line? If you answer yes to any of these, then Twitter is for you. As well Twitter is a great way to build a community around your brand, but only if you are proactive. Answer people’s questions, reach out to other users and communicate with people interested in hashtags that revolve around your brands topics of interest.
Does your brand have a visual aspect? Do you offer a service that revolves around lifestyle? If so, Instagram is the place for you. If your site is a clothing brand or lifestyle based, like a yoga studio, then plenty of photo’s with people wearing your clothing or participating in your brand’s lifestyle will be beneficial for driving traffic to your site. Get the ball finding popular instagramers in your niche and send them freebies in order to post to their Instagram and watch your followers and sales increase.
If your brand is visual or appealing to women, Pinterest might be right for you. The site does have a strong female following, but it’s a perfect way to get your brand out there regardless of gender. Pinterest works well with products or cooking recipes. If you are using Instagram, you should be using Pinterest as well.
Now Be Social
Before jumping into any form of Social Media, take a look around. Get a feel for how user’s interact with each other. What’s trending? What do users look for? Whoa re they following?
Just like all other forms of the internet, you can’t just dive in and expect engagement. Especially if you come off like a stiff company or sales force. User’s on social media want to be engaged and dealt with in a very real person to person scenario. Don’t try and force your message on people. If you do social media right, regular people will become brand ambassadors and your greatest sales people.
The most important part is to become a part of the community. Don’t just post sales and new products. No one will listen. Talk to people. Ask questions. Answer questions. Run contests. Discuss interests aligned with your brand that don’t necessarily reflect something you sell. Be creative and have fun!
