Six Ways to use Social Media for Your Business

Are you tired of feeling like your business is missing out on potential customers? In today’s digital age, social media has become an essential tool for businesses to connect with their target audience and grow their brand. From Facebook to Instagram, Twitter to LinkedIn, there are countless platforms available to help businesses reach new heights of success. So, if you’re ready to take your business to the next level, it’s time to embrace the power of social media!

In this article, we’ll explore some creative ways to use social media to enhance your business and connect with your customers in exciting new ways. So buckle up and get ready to discover the potential of social media for your business!

Increase Brand Recognition

Social media marketing is like a megaphone for your business, helping you to amplify your voice and reach a wider audience. With the right social media marketing strategy, you can increase brand awareness and make your small business into a household name.

Take Wendy’s for example – the fast-food chain used Twitter to create a sassy, relatable persona that resonated with customers and helped them stand out from the crowd on the social media platform. Or how about Glossier, a skincare and makeup brand that leveraged Instagram stories to showcase user-generated content and build a loyal fanbase of beauty enthusiasts? These two companies are proof that social media marketing can be a powerful tool for increasing brand awareness.

But how can your business use free tools and social media to increase its brand awareness and connect with your target audience? Here are a few tips:

Develop a Strong Brand Voice

Create a unique voice and personality and create content that aligns with your brand and resonates with your target audience across your social media channels as this will help to ensure a cohesive and consistent voice, and drive brand engagement.

Share Valuable Content

Sharing valuable content on social media is important for your brand because it helps to establish your expertise and authority within your industry. By providing helpful and informative content, you demonstrate to your followers that you are knowledgeable and trustworthy, which can help to build credibility and strengthen their trust in your personal brand name.

Encourage User-Generated Content

Encouraging user-generated content on your social platforms is a great way to build a sense of community around your company culture or brand, increase engagement, and boost brand awareness. Not only does it help to build trust with your brand as it demonstrates consumers are happy with your products or services, but it also helps to increase engagement and build a stronger connection between your brand and followers. This can lead to more likes, comments, shares, and a more loyal following.

Monitor your Analytics

By tracking metrics like engagement rates, follower growth, and post reach, you can see what content is resonating with your audience and adjust your strategy accordingly.

Just like a good host pays attention to their guests’ needs and preferences, a savvy business owner pays attention to their customers’ behaviours and feedback. By monitoring your social media analytics, you can identify areas where your business brand is excelling and where there’s room for improvement. Plus, you can use this information to make data-driven decisions about your marketing strategy.

With these social media marketing tips in mind, your business can start to build a strong social media presence and increase brand awareness. So get creative, have fun, and let social media help take your business to new heights!

Connect with Customers

Social media marketing is like a big party to which everyone is invited, and businesses can use this to their advantage. By joining the party and engaging with customers on social media, your business can build real connections with its audience.

Think of social media as one giant virtual cocktail party, where people are connecting about everything from their day-to-day lives to their favourite brands. By being present in the conversation with other users, your business can humanise itself and make it more relatable to your target consumers.

Companies that have successfully used social media to connect with customers:

Nike

Nike is slaying the social media game with a jaw-dropping 150 million followers on Instagram and a whopping 35 million on Facebook. They’re like the social media maestros, always hitting the right notes! Nike doesn’t just sell kicks, they sell inspiration by the bucket load.

They’ve got their finger on the pulse of what matters, using their multiple platforms to champion worthy causes, from supporting athletes and teams to uplifting different cultures around the world. Instagram is where they truly shine, with jaw-dropping images and videos that’ll make you want to lace up your sneakers and go chase your dreams!

But they’re not just about the gram, oh no! On Facebook, they go all out with epic campaigns that make waves. And Twitter? That’s where they connect with their audience and tackle real issues head-on.

Nike doesn’t just talk the talk, they walk the walk. They’re not afraid to take a stand and speak out on important matters, whether it’s promoting social distancing during the pandemic, standing with the BLM movement, or empowering girls to be unstoppable, no matter the odds. Their campaigns are a slam dunk, resonating with people from all walks of life and inspiring them to be bold, brave, and utterly badass.

Glossier

Emily Weiss, the mastermind behind Glossier, once called it the “OG socially-driven beauty brand.” And boy, was she right! Glossier blazed the trail as one of the first-ever “Instagram brands,” using the platform not just for raising awareness, but for building genuine connections with its audience.

They’ve got a knack for getting up close and personal with their followers, even crowd sourcing product ideas straight from the Gram. Yup, they’re all about that one-on-one chitchat, and their fans are absolutely obsessed. Glossier’s community is more than just a following, it’s a cult-like tribe of beauty enthusiasts who can’t get enough of their innovative approach.

And let’s talk about their influencer game because it’s on fire! When Queen Bey herself was spotted wearing an unnamed Glossier product, social media went bonkers. It was like a beauty bomb dropped, generating mega hype for their upcoming launch. Glossier knows how to keep the beauty world buzzing with excitement, and they’re definitely in a league of their own.

Tips for how companies can use social media to better connect with their customers:

1. Be a Social Butterfly: Get social and engage with your audience like there’s no tomorrow! Respond to their comments, messages, and tags with genuine excitement. Show them some love and they’ll keep coming back for more.
2. Make ‘Em Laugh: Laughter is the best medicine, and social media is the perfect prescription! Share funny memes, witty posts, and entertaining videos that’ll put a smile on your audience’s face. Happy customers are loyal customers!
3. Go Behind the Scenes: Take your audience on a backstage tour of your brand’s world. Show them the magic behind your products or services, introduce your team, and share your brand story. Authenticity and transparency are the keys to building trust and loyalty.
4. Host Fun Contests: Everyone loves a good competition! Organise giveaways, contests, and challenges that’ll get your audience excited to participate. They’ll love the chance to win prizes and show off their skills.
5. Celebrate Your Fans: Your customers are the stars of the show, so give them the spotlight! Share their user-generated content, testimonials, and success stories. It’s a win-win – your audience feels appreciated, and you get some awesome social proof.
6. Share Valuable Content: While fun and entertainment are a must, don’t forget to provide value too. Share informative, educational, and inspiring content that’ll help your audience solve a problem, learn something new, or get inspired.
7. Be Timely and Relevant: Keep your finger on the pulse of what’s happening in the world and in your industry. Share timely and relevant content, news, and trends that your audience will find interesting and engaging.
8. Show Some Gratitude: Don’t forget to say thank you! Show your appreciation to your audience for their support, feedback, and loyalty. A little gratitude goes a long way in building lasting relationships.

Drive Website Traffic from your social media platforms

Social media is like a supercharged sports car that can rev up your company page or website’s visibility and help to drive traffic like never before. With its viral power and massive reach, social media platforms can help you to attract new visitors, engage with your audience, and showcase your brand’s awesomeness!

From eye-catching visuals to catchy captions, from interactive polls to engaging content, social media is the ultimate tool to have in your digital marketing arsenal.

Companies that have successfully used social media marketing strategy to drive website traffic

There are numerous companies that have successfully leveraged social media in their digital marketing strategy to drive traffic to their websites. One great example is BuzzFeed. They create shareable content that people can’t resist clicking on and then sharing interesting content with their friends, which drives a ton of traffic back to their website.

Another example is Airbnb, which uses Instagram to showcase stunning photos of its properties around the world. By utilising social media influencers, they have been able to increase their reach and drive traffic to their website. And let’s not forget about Dollar Shave Club, which used humour and clever advertising to build a massive following on most social media platforms and drive traffic to their website.

By creating high-quality content, and utilising the right platforms effectively, these companies have been able to drive significant traffic to their websites and grow their online presence.

Social media strategy tips for companies to help drive traffic to their website

From increasing reach and engagement, to the best social platform for website traffic, apply these tips to increase traffic to your website from your social channels.

1. Drive traffic by increasing reach and engagement – things such as posting regularly, interacting with your audience, and creating engaging content will help gain more eyes on your brand and profile. This will help to naturally drive traffic to your website and increase leads and sales.
2. Focus on the social media sites that drive the most web traffic – you need to find the right social media platform that suits your brand and audience to drive the most traffic to your website. According to industry studies, Facebook still reigns supreme when it comes to driving traffic to websites but Twitter can be just as influential – especially when tweets go viral. Instagram and Pinterest drive less traffic to external websites but it shouldn’t discourage you as this varies by industry and audience.
3. Include referral links on your social media accounts – whether you’re on Twitter, TikTok, or Instagram, you’ve got a little spot where you can let your followers know what you’re about and this is your chance to shine. The great thing about this bio section is that you can include a link to your website, that way your followers know exactly where to go if they want more of you – whether it’s your latest blog post, your newest product or just some good old-fashioned inspiration, referral links are super important!
4. Review your content calendar to maximise website traffic – each platform has its own set of rules that determines which posts get the most love. And one of the most crucial elements is the frequency of your posts. Posting too often or too rarely can be a blessing or a curse, depending on which platform you’re using. Some platforms love it when you share content frequently, but others prefer a more laid-back approach. By reviewing where, what, and how frequently you post, you can make sure your content gets the spotlight it deserves and drives more traffic to your website.

Stay Ahead of Competitors

In today’s fast-paced business landscape, staying ahead of competitors is crucial for success. Social media has become a powerful tool that can give brands a competitive edge by offering unique opportunities for engagement, customer insights, and market intelligence. From monitoring competitor activity to showcasing brand personality, social media provides companies with valuable tools to outshine their competitors and stay ahead in the race.

Examples of Companies that Have Successfully Used Social Media to Stay Ahead of Their Competitors

Gymshark

Gymshark knows how to flex its social media muscles to stay ahead of the competition. With a whopping nine million followers across three Instagram channels, Gymshark has leveraged its understanding of digital mearketing and fitness influencers to drive impressive growth.

By sponsoring popular fitness influencers, also known as Gymshark ‘athletes’, and releasing collaborative collections, Gymshark has capitalized on its combined audiences to boost its brand visibility. But that’s not all – Gymshark has also invested in paid social ads, which have yielded impressive results. For instance, during its 2017 Black Friday sale, Gymshark’s paid campaign on Instagram delivered a jaw-dropping 6.6x return on ad spend, with 40% of its sale purchases coming from the platform.

Gymshark’s savvy use of social media and influencers has undoubtedly contributed to its impressive rise in turnover, which reached a staggering 73 million in the year ending July 2019. Talk about a sweat-worthy social media success story!

Paddy Power

When it comes to standing out online, it’s all about taking risks and injecting some humor into your content. And when it comes to gambling brands, Paddy Power is the king of daring and hilarious posts. From cheeky to downright outrageous, Paddy Power’s social media game is on fire. And guess what? Their posts don’t just get watched, they get shared like crazy too!

A recent example? Paddy Power’s campaign featuring Peter Crouch, the amazing (in Jacinta’s opinion) former footballer, racked up over one million views in just 12 hours after its launch. That’s some serious social media magic right there! With their irreverent and risky approach, Paddy Power knows how to grab attention, spark conversations, and make waves online like no other.

Tips for How Companies Can Use Social Media to Stay Ahead of Their Competitors

1. Keep a close eye on your competitors: Social media provides a wealth of information about your competitors’ activities, strategies, and customer engagement. Monitor their accounts, analyse their content, promotions, and engagement with their audience. This can help you stay informed and stay ahead by learning from their successes and failures.
2. Be proactive and innovative: Don’t just follow the trend, set the trend! Be proactive in your social media strategy by constantly innovating and trying new things. Experiment with different types of content, campaigns, and promotions. Stay ahead of your competitors by being creative, unique, and offering something fresh and exciting to your audience.
3. Engage and interact with your audience: Social media is not just a one-way communication channel, but an opportunity to build relationships with your audience. Engage and interact with your followers, and respond to their comments, messages, and inquiries promptly and authentically. Show that you value their feedback and opinions, and use it to improve your products or services.
4. Provide valuable and relevant content: Content is king in the social media world, and providing valuable and relevant content to your audience is essential to staying ahead of your competitors. Share informative, entertaining, and engaging content that resonates with your target audience. Be consistent in your posting schedule and keep your content fresh and updated to keep your audience engaged and coming back for more.

Generate Leads and Sales

Social media is a powerhouse when it comes to driving leads and sales for your business. With billions of active users worldwide, it’s a goldmine of potential new customers just waiting to be tapped into.

By creating a strong social media presence, engaging with your audience, creating content, and strategically promoting your products or services, you and other businesses can generate buzz, build brand awareness, and ultimately drive traffic to your website or online store.

From compelling posts and eye-catching visuals to targeted ads and promotions, social media offers a treasure trove of opportunities to connect with your target audience, showcase your offerings, and entice them to take action. By leveraging the power of social media, you can fuel your sales funnel, convert followers into paying customers everywhere, and watch your business soar to new heights.

Companies that have Successfully Used Social Media to Generate Leads and Sales

Airbnb

First up, we have Airbnb, who knows how to rock Instagram and Facebook. They show off jaw-dropping travel destinations, share awesome user-generated content, and offer exclusive promotions that have travelers clicking that “Book Now” button faster than you can say wanderlust. Their visually stunning social media game has created a buzz, resulting in more bookings and revenue pouring in!

Sephora

And let’s not forget Sephora, the beauty brand that slays the social media game. They’ve got Instagram and YouTube on lockdown, sharing beauty tips, tutorials, and product reviews that have beauty enthusiasts hooked. They engage with their audience, create a strong community, and offer online promotions that make makeup lovers swoon. With their killer content and engaging approach, they’ve successfully driven traffic to their website and boosted sales, making everyone look fabulous!

The secret sauce to their success? They’ve mastered the art of leveraging social media as a powerful marketing tool. They know their audience inside out, create killer content and direct messaging that resonates with them, and offer exclusive promotions that make them feel special. These companies have cracked the code to generate leads and boost sales, proving that social media is a marketing playground with endless possibilities! #SocialMediaGoals

Tips for How Companies Can Use Social Media to Generate More Leads and Sales

1. Be Authentic and Engaging: Don’t be afraid to let your brand’s personality shine through on their platforms. Be authentic, relatable, and engaging. Share behind-the-scenes glimpses, showcase your team, and interact with your audience in a genuine way. This creates a connection with your followers and builds trust, ultimately leading to more leads and sales.
2. Create Compelling Content: Content is king! Create captivating posts, stories, and videos that are visually appealing, informative, and shareable. Use humour, storytelling, and creative visuals to capture your audience’s attention and keep them coming back for more. Remember to align your content with your brand’s values and messaging for consistency.
3. Utilise Influencers and User-Generated Content: Influencers and user-generated content (UGC) can be powerful tools for driving leads and sales. Collaborate with influencers who align with your brand and have a relevant audience. Encourage your followers to create UGC by hosting contests, giveaways, or challenges. UGC not only amplifies your brand’s reach but also builds social proof and trust among your audience.
4. Use Call-to-Actions (CTAs): Don’t forget to include clear and compelling CTAs in your posts. Whether it’s asking users to sign up for your newsletter, visit your website, or make a purchase, use CTAs to guide your audience toward the desired action. Make sure your CTAs are noticeable, actionable, and aligned with your overall marketing goals.
5. Analyze and Optimize: Keep track of your performance by analyzing the metrics and data. Identify what content resonates with your audience, and which platforms are driving the most leads and sales, and optimize your strategy accordingly. Experiment with different content formats, posting schedules, and campaigns to continuously improve your efforts.

Remember, social media is a dynamic and ever-evolving landscape, so keep experimenting, innovating, and staying updated with the latest trends to stay ahead in the game and generate more leads and sales!

Improve Customer Service

Social media isn’t just another magazine to slap ads in, instead it opens up a whole new realm of possibilities for your business. One major game-changer is customer service.

It can be a superpower for your business but tread carefully. One wrong move in the public eye and you could end up like Carnival Cruise Lines and their infamous #CruiseFromHell. Eep!

But fear not, when done right, customer service can forge genuine connections with your customers like never before. It’s all about that sincere interaction that leads to more loyalty and ultimately sales.

Examples of Companies that have Successfully Used Social Media to Improve Customer Service

Zappos

One prime example is Zappos, the online shoe retailer that has built a reputation for exceptional customer service through social media. They’re known for their lightning-fast responses to customer inquiries and complaints on platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, often going above and beyond to resolve issues and exceed customer expectations.

Jetblue

Another stellar example is JetBlue, the airline that has made a name for itself by delivering top-notch customer service online. They actively engage with customers on platforms like Twitter, providing real-time updates on flights, assisting with rebooking, and handling customer inquiries with a friendly and personable tone. JetBlue has set the bar high for using social media as a customer service tool in the airline industry.

By actively engaging with customers, providing timely responses, and offering personalised solutions, these companies have leveraged social media to build brand loyalty and create positive customer experiences.

Tips for how companies can use social media to improve their customer service

1. Be Responsive: Timely responses are key to effective customer service on social media. Monitor your accounts regularly and respond promptly to customer inquiries, complaints, and feedback.
2. Be Personable: Show empathy and use a friendly, conversational tone in your responses. Avoid canned or robotic responses and strive to make customers feel heard and valued.
3. Provide Solutions: Offer practical solutions to customer issues and aim to resolve problems as quickly and efficiently as possible. Avoid deflecting or dismissing customer concerns, and instead, take ownership of the issue and work towards a resolution.
4. Use Private Messaging: When dealing with sensitive or complex issues, it’s often best to switch to private messaging or direct messages (DMs) to maintain customer privacy and address the matter in a more one-on-one setting.
5. Monitor Brand Mentions: Keep track of brand mentions and hashtags related to your business, even if they don’t tag your official accounts. Respond to both positive and negative mentions, and take the opportunity to engage with your customers and address any concerns.
6. Learn from Feedback: Use social media as a feedback channel and listen to customer suggestions, comments, and complaints. Take feedback as an opportunity to improve your products, services, and customer service approach.
7. Stay Professional: Remember this is a public platform, so always maintain a professional tone and avoid engaging in negative or confrontational exchanges with customers. Respond with grace and professionalism, even in a challenging situation

Conclusion

Social media can be a game-changer for small businesses when leveraged effectively. From building brand awareness and engagement to improving customer service and staying ahead of competitors, social media offers a plethora of opportunities for businesses to thrive in the digital era.

So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to take action and start implementing social media strategies to improve your business. Get creative, be authentic, and connect with your audience in meaningful ways. Your business deserves to thrive in the digital world, and social media can be the key to unlocking its full potential!

Remember, social media for business, is not just a trend or a passing fad. It’s a dynamic and ever-evolving landscape that can provide tremendous opportunities for businesses to grow and succeed. So, don’t delay any longer – start harnessing the power of social media to improve your business today!