At this point, every business, large or small, uses social media as a means to market and promote their business. Though there are many marketing channels, it seems social media has taken the lead on the most utilized channel. For this reason, it has become critical to stand out in the sea of advertisements, offers, and attempts to create and grow brand recognition.
The first step for any brand should be to have a strategy surrounding their content and engagement on social media. But, there are a few other things small businesses and brand can do to stand out on social media.
Be Authentic.
Despite the fact that we are all in the business of selling to make money, authenticity matters. Being authentic has multiple positive effects on a brand’s social media presence. The first, and possibly most important, is that authenticity attracts the right target market. If you’ve created a product or service surrounding a particular problem that you can communicate the struggles and overcoming of that problem where your audience can relate, you not only get the right people, but they are engaged.
Secondly, authenticity makes promoting and advertising a little easier on the relationship of you have worked to establish with your audience. Don’t be afraid to be honest, silly, or down-right random. Extend your brand’s corporate culture to your audience.
Think Visual.
Content marketing has become the smartest method of digital marketing. However, while you’re crafting awesome stories, relatable statuses, and effective calls-to-action, don’t forget to think visually. Audiences on social media are more likely to pay attention to and share visual content before copy.
Visual content helps your audience effectively receive your message in a short amount of time. Infographics, memes, photos, and videos give you quality, shareable content to keep your social media community’s attention. You can almost guarantee that if you maintain your audience’s attention, they will begin to share your content which increases your brand’s reach.
Social Listening.
In all the noise of social media, brands, especially small business brands, must learn to listen. If your community is engaging with you, they likely will reveal problems that need solutions. They may even give you some idea of what kinds of adjustments and improvements you can make to your product or service. You can stand out by paying attention to your community.
Respond to as many comments as you can. Answer questions. Give shoutouts to those who engage with you the most. Chime in on conversations happening within your social media space. Social listening allows you to strengthen your connection, anticipate issues, and recognize opportunities.
Don’t merely exist on social media. Take steps that make your brand memorable.
Go Be Great!
