...
A BRIEF GUIDE TO SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING
Marketing your business over social media may seem a daunting task. There are so many different elements to consider and many social media marketers would have you believe that you can't do it on your own.
While there are certainly major benefits to hiring a professional, it isn't the be all and end all. If you want to get your business out there on social media but don't have the budget for a professional, you certainly shouldn't hold off on starting. Here are some pointers to help you out.
Maintain Your Brand Image
If you have been running a business for a few years, you have probably worked very hard to develop and maintain a brand image. Why throw it all out of the window now? Maintaining your brand image is key when launching an online campaign, so before you set anything up, take a moment to think about how you can best express your brand online.
Create Value
Many people (even some 'marketers') think that marketing is simply getting your product in front of people’s eyes. This is simply not true. To run a successful campaign, you need to provide some sort of value. This can be achieved in many ways. Here are some examples...
-
Show a product which will enrich the life of the customer, a delicious new drink and snack combo, for example.
-
Give something away, maybe a free lunch, a free drink, even a discount.
-
Give knowledge, like a cooking tutorial or behind-the-scenes video.
Make a Personal Connection with Customers
Social media is a unique and powerful tool because it allows you to connect with customers in a very genuine way. This opportunity would have been the stuff of dreams for a business 20 years ago. This connection can be made by simply being active on social media, posting a lot, and replying to comments, direct messages, etc... Interaction like this will massively improve brand awareness.
Engage Your Customers with Quality Visuals
Nothing screams 'cheap' like a blurry, out-of-focus or plain boring image. This is why it is key that you post only high-quality images on your social media. While 10 years ago you may have needed to invest in a camera, now even a new iPhone could do the trick if your budget is tight. The key is how you use it. Try to think about the lighting and composition of each individual shot to get better results.
Be Creative
Last but certainly not least, BE CREATIVE. Potential customers are so bombarded, in this day and age, with boring photos of products, what makes you think they will stop and look at your one? It all comes down to how it is presented. Instead of simply taking a picture and writing about how great it is, try to be creative about how it is displayed. This will make potential customers pause and take a closer look.
Being on a tight budget is no reason to delay getting your business online. With a genuine interest, anyone can take their social media marketing forward.
However, if you are ready to take things to the next level by hiring a professional, we offer an all-in-one solution for your digital marketing needs. Why not let us handle your entire online presence without any stress on your part?
We look forward to hearing from you.
