Part of effective digital marketing is going where your target market is, and one of the online destinations they frequent are social media platforms.
By 2018, it is projected that there will be 2.5 million social media users worldwide, and at the rate we’re going, it’s very likely to happen. As it is, 70% of the US population own at least one social networking profile, while more than half are using two or more social media networks.
Meanwhile, social media is not just used for staying connected with friends and loved ones or meeting new people. A study shows that 81% of small and medium-sized businesses are using social media, and 94% of which are doing so for marketing.
Clearly, having a brand presence on social media is imperative. However, a lot of businesses have figured it out too, and social media platforms are also becoming crowded. So how can you stand out and conquer social media channels? Here are six proven ways to do so.
- Provide quality content.
The core of every digital marketing effort is quality content. Remember, users go to the Internet to find information that they can use, and what you share on social media platforms should have that element.
People go to the Internet not because they want to be sold to, but for them to learn, find solutions, or simply relax. So skip the pesky marketing pitch, and provide information that users can benefit from. That’s how they know that you care for them and become encouraged to finally check out who you are as a brand and what you offer.
READ: 10 Secrets for Creating Content that Stands Out
- Tailor content according to the specific social media platform.
One of the common mistakes most marketers commit is publishing posts the same way across different social media platforms.
Social media platforms vary in terms of used experience, and you need to tailor posts accordingly so that it will fit into the culture or atmosphere of a particular channel. For instance, people go to Pinterest or Instagram to connect with others through photos. If you’re posting there, make sure to put more attention with how you craft your images. Meanwhile, if you’re marketing through Twitter, make sure to convey your message in 140 characters or less, so that people will be compelled to check you out or click on the link on your tweet.
- Stay reachable.
Respond to all messages, questions, and feedback—may it be positive or negative. When you get in touch with people through replying to their posts, you’re letting them know that they matter to you. And because you prioritize them, they will easily remember you and your brand.
- Tell stories.
While you want to increase your marketing efforts, fight the urge to simply post items or services that you offer. People are on social media for stories—stories that interest or move them. Some of the posts that appeal to people’s emotions are witty one-liners, quote cards, videos, and other shareable content.
- Participate in forums, groups, and discussions.
Building connections with others is also one of the ways to build an online presence. If there’s a topic being talked about within the demographic of your niche, join the discussion and share your insights. This way, you can build your brand’s reputation and at the same time, learn from others.
- Stay consistent.
You need to be consistent not just with posting regularly, but also with the recurring theme and look of your images. For instance, if you’re creating quote cards or visual representations of data, create them in the same color scheme as your logo and use the same font. In addition, you should also use a particular tone when writing your captions and blurbs.
Social media channels are becoming crowded, but you can still lead the pack. The six tips discussed will help you do exactly that.
img c/o pixabay
