Social media platforms were created primarily as a way to connect with people, as a way to be social online without being in the same vicinity. However, with the increased popularity of social media and the ways you can promote your business with these platforms, some business owners forget about the ‘social’ part of social media and use it as a free advertising platform.
It’s been proven by experts that people will spend their money with those they know, like, and trust. But if all you’re doing is posting photos of your product or hyping your service or your signature program, you’re not allowing anyone to know you. If your followers don’t know who you are, it’s impossible for them to genuinely like you and you’re simultaneously hindering the trust factor.
This is the hardest part of social media for me -- and I suspect it's difficult for other people as well. I never want to seem unprofessional and I don't want to be seen as frivolous, so I hesitate to show my personality and my personal life to my business contacts.
So, here's your (our) challenge - show off your personality with your social media posts. Let the real you shine through and you will naturally attract your tribe of followers. Try these 3 tips to spice up your social media posts with some personality:
Act like you’re the host and your followers are at your party.
When hosting a party, you want everyone to be happy and having a good time, right? The same is true on social media platforms. Don’t just hang out on your page; visit other pages and leave comments. Ask your followers questions. Really listen to their answers. Respond to questions or comments that are asked of you. Be compassionate and friendly. Offer friendly advice when asked.
Share your sense of humor and be entertaining.
Search YouTube for the videos that strike your funny bone. Better yet, get on Facebook Live and showcase your personality. This doesn’t mean acting fake because you want people to be entertained; rather, be yourself and tell the funny thing your kid said or relay something comical that happened at work. Everybody can use a laugh and posting videos or funny photos is a way to lighten the online atmosphere.
Provide value and inspiration.
Talk about your business and let your passion shine but let it be more than, “Buy my services!” Your audience wants to know what’s in it for them; how will your services benefit or help them. Do you have the solution to their problem? It’s not you making sales; it’s about helping them find solutions. Share your favorite inspirational quotes, especially around the holidays, which can be a tough time of year for some folks.
If this is hard for you - as it is for me - start out with silly holidays or memes that make you giggle and work your way up to the Facebook live or glimpses into your personal life. Chances are, your fans and followers will find them funny as well and will appreciate the smile!
Take your Social Media to the Next Level!
Dig deeper into your business and develop your own unique social media plan with the Social Media Planner from Next Level U. Using our planner, you will get a step by step process for creating a social media strategy for your small business. This is the Planner that I use with Next Level clients to develop their social media strategy! Work at your own pace, implement your plan, and expect big results in your audience growth and your engagement! Take your social media (and your business) to the next level! BUY IT HERE.
To your success!
Laura
P.S. If you are a small business owner (or want to be one), whether you are just starting out, or have been in business for awhile, I hope you will become part of the Next Level family. Visit our Facebook page (www.Facebook.com/NextLevelAd) for tips, tools, and resources to help grow your business. We now have a Facebook Group, Next Level U, for those who are interested in joining a private community of small business owners and marketers.
Some of the links in this publication are Affiliate Links, meaning that – at no additional cost to you – Next Level Advertising may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Please know that when you see an Affiliate link from Next Level Marketing it is for a product or service that we use ourselves or that we have thoroughly researched and reviewed!
Laura Olson-Oxley is an entrepreneur, coach, speaker, marketing and business consultant, and sales professional. She has over 25 years experience working with small businesses in a variety of industries, focusing on strategic business growth through effective marketing and advertising. Also a strategist, numbers nut, project manager, and life-long learner, Laura looks at the big picture to analyze and recommend the most effective tools to take businesses to the Next Level.
Join My Group