If you’re an avid user of social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter, you’ll know only too well just how many people use these websites each day. With millions of users logging on from across the globe, the possibilities when it comes to marketing are endless. As a marketer, you will want your products and services to be seen by the masses. With that in mind, here are the top do’s and don’ts when it comes to successful social media marketing.
Do Make Your Content Informative
First and foremost, the content you provide should be informative, eye-catching and relevant to your brand. To get people interested in your business, you need to ensure that your social media profiles are 100% filled out. If you’re planning to use Facebook, why not set up a Facebook business page? Letting people know who you are, what services and products you provide, as well as contact information is essential.
Do Your Best to Interact
Customers like to know their custom is valued and appreciated. With that in mind, you should be interacting as much as you can with your target demographic. As you start to build up your customer base, it’s likely that people will have queries and problems that need sorting out, so it’s up to you to be consistent and reply to your customers. Make sure to always remain professional and helpful to ensure your customers are satisfied with your service.
Do Try Several Media Types
With so many social media platforms available, it can be tricky to know where to start if you’re new to the marketing game. While Facebook may seem like the best place to start, there are plenty of other platforms that you can use too, such as Instagram. You need to have a think of what sort of products you are trying to sell, as well as your target demographic.
Do Use SEO
As a marketer, it’s only natural that you will want your content to be seen by as many people as possible. With lots of competition to contend with, using search engine optimization can ensure that your pages are seen first. Putting in relevant keywords that relate to your brand will help consumers know where to look first, especially if you use Google AdWords.
Do Know When to Post
The time and day you post on social media can have a huge impact on how many people see your message. For example, there’s no point making posts at 3 in the morning when everyone is fast asleep, nor should you post important information when most of your viewers are at work. With many people working a Monday – Friday week, you’ll have more chance of reaching people at the weekends. While this isn’t set in stone, you will likely have more success promoting your products and services to people when they aren’t stuck in work.
Don’t Ignore Your Audience
As your viewer base begins to build, it’s important that you’re there as much as you can to provide help and support. Customers don’t like it if they don’t get an answer within a certain timeframe. For example, if you’ve set up a Facebook business page with a promise to respond within 24 hours, do so! The more you ignore your customers, the more likely they are to go elsewhere for their custom. While there will be days when you don’t feel up to responding, try and think of the long-term goals of your business.
Don’t Forget Your Links
The main goal of using social media platforms is to get as many likes as you can on your page, as well as guiding customers to your own website. If you aren’t including links on your page, you can’t expect customers to go out of their way to find out more about what your brand has to offer. Hyperlinks are everything, especially in text, as you can link your page in a more subtle way. As your customers are reading through your posts, they can click on a hyperlink and be instantly transported to your website!
Don’t Forget Your Other Accounts
If you’re gaining momentum on one social media platform, try not to neglect the others. While it can be hard to multi-task at times, keeping each page updated with fresh and informative content will pay off in the long run. To take the weight off your shoulders, why not use automation software? If you’re working alone, trying to keep each page afloat can be incredibly challenging, therefore, automation software can do all the hard work for you.
Don’t Only Post Text
If you’re prone to posting large blocks of text and you aren’t really seeing any results, is it any wonder? Readers want to be hooked and engaged from the beginning, so make sure to post images and subheadings to ensure customers don’t get turned off. Including videos and infographics can also be hugely beneficial too. If you’re posting walls of text, try and cut them down and only post the main key points. Mixing the text up with graphics can be more appealing to the eye and help to increase your viewership.
Don’t Take Negative Comments to Heart
Just like with any business, you will receive some negative feedback from time to time. However, try not to beat yourself up about it. Customers can’t always be happy, even if you’re putting in 110%. If a customer has had a bad experience, try your best to resolve the situation. Knowing how to handle constructive criticism can help you go far as a marketer.
Using social media platforms can be a great way to engage with potential customers and clients. Spreading the message of your brand and having your message seen by as many people as possible should be your number one goal as a marketer. Whether it be making your content informative to hook readers in, or using SEO to have your brand at the top of search results, make sure to stay focused and consistent with your output in order to see successful results.