Let's face it - social media is here to stay. Whether you think it's a complete waste of time or you are logging in multiple times a day, smart business owners know that social media is an avenue that can be beneficial to your marketing plan. The good thing part is it’s not just for product sellers. Service providers can use it successfully too.
The first thing to do is join the social media accounts that will be most beneficial to your business. Facebook is a given and you should be using a business page. The business page gives you the opportunity and ability to post articles, tips, comments, polls, and a host of other topics that your followers are interested in.
Instagram is another highly popular platform. Now that it's owned by Facebook you can cross promote Facebook posts to Instagram for highly engaging activity.
Twitter is also very popular with millions of business owners and service providers. And don't forget video. It is on the rise and highly popular too.
So how do you build trust and obtain clients through social media? Try these tips below.
* Interact on your business page at least once a day if not multiple times a day.
* Join two or three Facebook groups that include potential clients. Make sure to participate on a regular basis.
* Provide free advice and share your knowledge. Let people know that you are an expert in your field.
* Start conversations with group members and followers. Use the direct message feature to get to know them more.
* Use Facebook ads to showcase your services and benefits of using your services. You can target specific areas in groups of people directly in your target market.
* Use Facebook Live video for marketing and sharing of information and tips.
* Use direct message to start conversations and get to know potential clients. Do not use this as a way to pitch your product. Let them ask you what you do.
* Cross market Facebook ads to Instagram. Facebook is trying to increase the usage of Instagram so your ad will be seen by more people.
* Connect, interact and comment on other people's posts. Start conversations and be active.
* Post on a daily basis and encourage comments and engagement.
* Use Instagram Stories to connect with followers
* Use direct message to start conversations and get to know potential clients. Do not use this as a way to pitch your product. Let them ask you what you do.
* Use the search bar and hashtags to find potential clients and follow them.
* Start building a relationship in a conversation with someone each day.
* Join Twitter chats that have to do with your business. Present your knowledge and information. Follow others in the chat.
* Acknowledge those that share your tweets and images. Have conversations follow, each other.
* Make sure to post engaging tweets and images every day. Use a service like TweetDeck or HootSuite to load 5 to 10 tweet a day.
* Be sure to spend time online live connecting with potential clients and even competitors. Getting to know people and engagement is the key.
* Use direct message to start conversations and get to know potential clients. Do not use this as a way to pitch your product. Let them ask you what you do.
* Start your own channel loaded with tips and information
* Cross market your videos to other social media sites and website
* Post on a regular basis and interact
Social media does take some time but once you schedule it into your day and manage it properly, it can become a great marketing tool.
Engage, converse, and share great information that shows you are a professional. People will soon be contacting you for your services.