Using social media effectively to promote your business is crucial for success. Social media allows you to post your latest product options, interact with current and prospective clients, and position yourself as an industry leader. Building up your following may take time, but it is worth the effort to develop a consistent, intelligent presence.
How do you choose which social media platforms to use for your business? Each network is meant to do something different and has various benefits and drawbacks. Social media allows you to adapt gradually, and as you become more familiar how each network works, you can connect with the unique opportunities they offer.
As a Kaeser & Blair Business Owner, you have the opportunity to provide a beneficial service to anyone with a need to spread a message, promote their name, or just attract more business. Using social media platforms at your disposal correctly will give you the advantage to connect to the individuals who need your expertise in branded products.
Getting Started
Each social media platform is designed to do something different. Instagram, for instance, is used to share interesting and eye-catching photos, videos, and graphics with very little text. On the opposite end of the spectrum is LinkedIn, which is very text-heavy and is used for networking and positioning yourself as an expert in your field.
If you’ve never used social media to promote your business before, we recommend starting with one platform. This way, you can get used to posting regularly and interacting with your audience. It’s better to master one than to struggle with multiple. As your client base grows, you can then add more social platforms to reach a wider audience.
Choosing the Right Platform
Facebook is considered one of the most personal of the social media channels. This is where people stay connected to friends and family and meet people with similar interests.
In order to make the most of Facebook, take advantage of your local groups where conversations are taking place and chime in when appropriate. Engage with anyone looking for help, but do not attempt to advertise in groups.
Have a separate account for your personal page first, then add your promotional business page, but do not set up with the title Kaeser & Blair. Use your business page with your independent dealer identity.
Be lighthearted and market yourself as helpful and resourceful showing suggestions of how you assisted with a mission to help someone’s branding. Facebook allows your personal network to find you and for them to share how you have assisted them. You can demonstrate that you are the person who is their “go to” for branded items.
Instagram is a photo-sharing tool with a “liking” feature. Since Instagram is a visual platform, you need to make sure your photos are high-quality and visually interesting.
When used correctly, this network will show your artistic side. Attract followers by liking others and commenting with authentic messages. As with Facebook, do not advertise at them, but bring them to you by demonstrating that your work is the best and most effective for promoting a brand. People can smell marketing from a mile away. With all social platforms, but especially with Instagram, it’s important to be genuine and authentic.
LinkedIn is a business network that offers you the chance to build a professional reputation for being the industry standard. This outlet reveals how individuals in your network are connected to one another as well as how you may be connected to them outside your network. It offers highly targeted niche discussion groups where new relevant connections can be made.
To be successful on LinkedIn, you need a robust professional profile using searchable keywords to describe your areas of expertise as a dealer to reinforce your business credibility. Once you identify relevant prospects using keywords, you can determine if you have an existing connection that might help make an introduction.
Join discussion groups and periodically scan posted discussions looking for opportunities to make relevant comments that bring value to the conversation without being too “salesy”, and you will begin to establish yourself as a thought leader in the branded items industry. Remember that LinkedIn is a professional network. It’s important to make sure your photos and post copy are high-quality and feel professional.
Social media is a great way to promote your business and remain relevant. Check back for more social media tips as we dive deeper into each platform!
