SOCIAL MEDIA TIPS AND TRICKS
As we all ease into 2014, it has become clear that before year’s end social media will be fully integrated into the marketing and customer service arms of most companies. Social media is here to stay, peeps. In that light, here are some tips to make sure you are getting results from your social media marketing:
1. MAKE YOUR WEBSITE AND SOCIAL MEDIA PAGES MOBILE-FRIENDLY:
78% of Facebook users (just shy of 100 million in the U.S.) are accessing social media via mobile devices. Periodically take a look at your social media sites on your Android or iPhone to make sure they display well. While you are at it, make sure your website is mobile-friendly too.
On Facebook, pin your best posts so that they will appear at the top of your timeline for seven days (click here to learn how).
Photos attract the most attention on Social Media. Use interesting photos in alignment with your brand and in sync with the social media platforms you are using. You want these images to pop out in a Twitter feed or a Facebook timeline especially on mobile devices.
2. INTERACT WITH YOUR CUSTOMERS:
In a study conducted by the National University of Singapore, data indicated that just broadcasting social media posts was pointless if the goal was conversion or sales. Conversion rates increased when the marketer engaged with the customer. Social media has the ability to strengthen and deepen the relationship with your customer. Ask questions or solicit ideas about campaigns, product development or service improvements. Respond to questions. Run a contest. In this way, you’ll increase your brand loyalty.
3. USE PAID ADS CAREFULLY:
Paid ads increase reach but decrease click-throughs. `Good for campaigns when the goal is to increase brand awareness or expand your customer base. But proceed carefully. Negative feedback can be very damaging. One way to handle this is to conduct a series of tests to gauge response from a small segment of your fan base. Plain text is least-liked. Interesting photos and other images grab the most attention.
4. LISTEN:
Social Media upends the traditional hierarchical relationship of the customer to a company. The customer is driving the relationship. Businesses need to approach their customers in a genuine manner — real interaction, real conversation, real listening.