How Small Business Can Win the Social Media Game

Social media has become a potent tool for small businesses, and in some ways is a unifier when competing with larger providers in your field. Because services such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram are free, you have a good chance of reaching customers, connecting with them, and gaining conversions.

Some startups have built their whole success based on social media marketing. Imagine you have an online casino bonus comparison website and want to highlight a deal on a Sugarhouse bonus code, a social media marketing campaign is a cost-effective way to get the word out.

Image credit: pexels.com

While social media can be a gold mine when used properly, if used incorrectly it can actively harm your business and alienate customers. However, don’t worry because below you will find all the tips you need to start a successful social media presence for your small business.

Know your objectives

Many small businesses that fail to gain traction on social media don’t even know what they are using it for. Consider the objective of your business and what using social media will achieve. A lot of startups sign up to social media because they think they must be there. Instead, if social media won’t help you further your objectives, you will just waste your time using it.

Have goals

Needless to say, the smallest business that is selling something or seeking to reach an audience will find their objectives do require social media. Advertising on platforms like Facebook can be lucrative and cost little. However, social media management does require plenty of time and dedication.

 Many businesses fail on social media because they are all over the place in terms of their plans. Set your goals early, whether it’s reaching as many people as possible or prioritizing conversions over the audience.

Be an authority

If you are reaching out to potential customers, you must show them that you are an authority in your field. It is important to know your subject, so people understand you know what you’re talking about. LinkedIn is an excellent social network that helps small businesses proves their credentials as experts in their area.

 Readers respect companies that are authorities and customers more likely to purchase from small businesses that considered leaders.

Start a conversation

Social media, it’s right there in the name. These are platforms on which you should be social and engage directly with customers. If you make a post on Facebook and someone replies to it, be sure to start a conversation with them even if it is just to show you value their feedback.

In fact, this is an important aspect of Facebook because the company uses an algorithm that rewards posts that have interaction. If you posts have conversations between customers and your staff, it is more likely to appear higher in feeds.

Easy ways to engage potential customers in conversation is to ask questions and to even visit other pages and answer questions within your area of expertise. For example, if you sell travel insurance you can ask people what their most memorable travel experience is. Similarly, if you see someone else asking the same question, leave a comment with your favorite experience.

Appreciate readers

Now you understand social media is not a monologue and engagement is necessary, you also need to be appreciative. Whether this is posting thank you notes to staff and advisors who have helped your business or directly thanking potential customers who have spoken to you.

Most social platforms include some method of liking the posts of others, such as the Like button on Facebook. Use these small rewards, while also choosing to follow other people in your field that can help spread your coverage.

Focus on one

Overtime when using multiple social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc.) you will have a good understanding of where your core engagement is coming from. For example, if you see most of your customers are coming to you through Twitter then it is worth prioritizing that network. That does not mean you should neglect your other social media accounts, but that you dedicate more time to engaging in your main revenue driver.

Related Articles

• How to grow your social media quickly and easily in the last quarter of 2019
• How Can Guest Posting Help With SEO?
• The Art of Writing a Phenomenal Blog Post for Your Business