Ah, social media. It’s everybody’s favorite way to interact with others around the world and to market their products and services. Some people reach the elevated status of Social Media Darling while others are posting day in and day out without any nibbles whatsoever.
What’s the difference between the Darling and the Wannabe? Most importantly, the differences are in their social media planning and their ability to develop relationships. Even if we’re talking about selling the exact same product, how the Wannabe approaches the opportunity is often quite different than how the Darling approaches it.
The Social Media Darling cares about other people. She interacts with people every single day on social media by answering questions and replying to comments both on her own posts AND on other posts in her feed. She shares snippets of her life instead of bombarding her followers with product pitches. The Darling also knows, through trial and error, which platforms give her the most engaged audiences and this is where she spends her time.
The Wannabe also cares about people but she’s posting product photos on every single social media platform available, desperate to make a sale. She figures that people don’t buy the first time they hear about her product so she continues to post about the product. She doesn’t notice when people leave comments or doesn’t know how to respond back. She comments on only a select few posts and is spread too thin across all the different platforms.
The beauty of owning your own business is the ability to do what you want. There aren’t any hard and fast rules about which social media platforms you should use so approach this methodically. If you’re posting random photos on Instagram and get a few likes here and there, is it really worth your time? If you post an article once a month on LinkedIn but have an inbox filled with unanswered invitations to network, should you continue to use this platform?
First, determine where your target market hangs out and learn how to use that platform. If you’re aiming to attract professional clients, then LinkedIn might be your ticket. If you’re looking for other solopreneurs or small business owners, check out Facebook. Want to market yourself locally? Alignable is a new platform to try. Facebook groups can also be a good fit for marketing locally. Can’t fit your thoughts into 144 characters? Then drop Twitter instead of stressing about it.
Second, remember to be social. You’re much more than your business so show that to your followers. Yes, share about your business because that’s your passion and a part of your life but share about your other passions. Don't be afraid to post about trips and travels, your favorite hobbies, favorite sports teams, favorite movies or television shows. Show your community spirit by posting pictures and information about the volunteer projects you and your team participate in. People love pets - show them yours! Let people get to know the whole you, not just the business you.
Need help? Visit the Next Level Resource Library and download the Blueprint for Success: Social Media. In this FREE DOWNLOAD you will find 21 ideas to help you take your social media presence to the next level! Get 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 website (www.nxtlevel.baselinedev.com) or check out 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.
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