We don’t have to tell you that social media is important to your business — you already know that it’s one of the best methods around to drum up leads, connect with your customers, advertise your products or services, keep an eye on the competition, and score search engine optimization points.
But it can be difficult to know what, when, and where to post. Is Facebook still relevant? Should you focus your efforts on Pinterest, Instagram, or Snapchat? How can you pique followers’ interests and encourage them to interact with your brand?
Whether you were an early adopter of social platforms who’s simply out of inspiration, or you’re just dipping your toes into the waters of social media but already feel like you’re drowning, keep reading for some great ideas to help kickstart your creativity and to keep your messaging on point.
1. Share (or Create) Content that Resonates with Your Brand
No matter what site you’re posting on, or even what type of content you are creating, it’s important to make sure that content aligns with your company’s mission, vision, and values.
One mistake that many social media amateurs make is trying to capitalize on current, trending stories or viral videos for the sole purpose of being seen on the bandwagon. It’s not enough to show that you’re hip to what’s happening in pop culture. You have to be sure that the content reflects who you are as a company.
“It’s not the number of likes, retweets, shares, or comments a post gets,” says Zach Hoffman, CEO of digital marketing firm Exults. “It’s about whether those followers who engage with the post understand and appreciate your messaging enough to become loyal customers in the future.”
2. Give Followers a Backstage Pass
Everyone loves to go behind the scenes and get an insider’s look at the inner workings of their favorite company or brand. So why not create and share a “Day in the Life of…” video or photoset?
This can be especially effective if you have a quirky or unique workplace — say, an office that is dog-friendly, a warehouse where employees get around on rollerblades, a super-cool game room, or a fun tradition like Hawaiian Shirt Wednesdays.
Keep your followers updated whenever there’s a special event, too. Do your employees routinely take part in fundraisers, volunteer opportunities, or even an office-wide chili cook off? Take plenty of pictures and give your followers a glimpse of company culture.
3. Tap Your Employees for Inspirational, Entertaining Posts
Similarly, highlighting the accomplishments of your team members is another great way to put a personable face on your brand. Maybe you know of an employee who has overcome a health issue to run her first triathlon, one who recently returned from a humanitarian mission to Africa, or somebody who routinely logs volunteer hours at the local animal shelter.
Why not spotlight them with a video, Q&A, or guest blog post? This social media strategy has the added bonus of recognizing your employees’ strengths and accomplishments, which helps boost team morale and job satisfaction.
4. Encourage Interaction and Engagement
It’s no secret that people love sharing — their opinions, their ideas, stories about their children, pictures of their pets. If you make eco-friendly clothing, ask for styling tips. Food or cookware companies could solicit followers’ recipes or meal planning ideas. Ask to see photographs of how people are using your products. Inquire about what new products your fans would like to see you make next.
The interaction doesn’t even have to involve your product or service. Ask about followers’ weekend plans, dream vacations, favorite meals, fondest memories, or even the funny and/or embarrassing things their children have said.
To make this strategy most effective, use a custom hashtag and host a contest in which the most creative idea, or the picture with the most likes, will win a prize of some sort. It doesn’t have to be a major award; just a little something to get people into the spirit.
Final Thoughts
On that note, we’d love to hear from our readers. How do you approach social media posts? Have you hit upon a strategy that works well to boost follower engagement, or do you struggle to even respond to tweets and posts, let alone to get creative or to solicit interaction? Share your thoughts in the comment section!