Among all the modern technologies available today, I would say social media is one of those that has forever changed how people connect and communicate. Despite being a virtual platform, social media gives users a sense of community and camaraderie. It brings people together and highlights a sense of belonging, even among strangers. To that end, social media is also a very powerful business tool.

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In fact, according to renowned digital strategist and author, Jeff Bullas: “Large brands realized that the marketing leverage and amplification that the “many to many” crowd sourced global conversations could bring to their marketing strategy was sizable and significant […] Small to medium business were provided free marketing tools that they could use themselves to promote their business.”

So, how can a small business make the most out of social media? Start with the following tips:

1. Understand your product and who it’s for

What is your product or service? Who are the people who use or buy it? Answering these questions and understanding it means you get to engage your potential customers on social media in the most effective way possible. Depending on what your product does, who it’s targeted towards, what it looks like, its relevance and other critical factors, you can use the most effective social media platform to promote it.

For example, if your product has great visual appeal, Instagram or Pinterest might be the best social media platform to use. If it requires extensive explanation to use, explainer videos via Facebook and YouTube might be better.

2. Always be relevant to your audience’s needs

Whatever you post, you always want to make sure that it’s relevant and interesting to your target audience. Keep the interest of your customers in mind to ensure better engagement and interaction.

Posting just for posting’s sake will do nothing to move your brand. Remember, your goal is to catch the attention of your audience and highlight the fact that whatever you have to offer is something they need to learn about.

3. Avoid misleading your audience

Social media, for all its advantages and benefits, can also be used to mislead followers with click-bait headlines that work only to disappoint readers. Avoid this at all costs. Even if you get readers to click, it will only lead to followers distrusting your brand and business.

4. Remember your goal

Your goal for using social media is to drive users to your website. That’s where you can educate and inform them about your product and service. On your site, they can explore further what you can do for them and discover the real benefits of your offer. Don’t waste this opportunity by not investing in a well-designed site.

Make sure that you offer informative content, relevant material, and easy to navigate pages. Make the layout intuitive so they’re compelled to explore what you have to offer.

Remember…

Social media is entertaining and it’s a great way to kill time. However, if you’re using it for business, then you have to approach it with a little more forethought and strategy. Start with the points I mentioned above. If you have any questions or want to discuss this further, reach out to me at Leadspanda.