Social-media success can sometimes seem like winning the lottery. After all, the potential payout far exceeds the cost to get started. But unlike the lottery, there are social-media strategies you can utilize that will increase your odds of success.
Here are a few ways to increase your chances of winning big with social-media …
Update, Update, Update: Social media requires you to be social. And updating your pages is the online equivalent of socializing. It’s how you start a conversation with your contacts. It’s also how you create a community, attract visitors to your page, and brand your business. In other words, what you post on your blog or Facebook page will help define your business for newcomers but it will also begin a conversation with your existing clients and customers. Keep a consistent flow of content and you’ll be rewarded with increased activity on your pages. Leave nothing more than your address on your page, and you’ll be ignored. It’s that simple, really. In order to win the prize, you have to participate.
Give And You Shall Receive: One of the quickest ways to draw attention to your page is to pay attention to other people’s pages and profiles. This means, spending some time perusing the pages of your contacts and clients and leaving a compliment or comment while you’re there. Recommend someone on LinkedIn. Thank someone for a recent positive business interaction. Follow their feed. Like a link. Just like in the real world, people on social media respond well to kindness, flattery, and friendliness. Reach out and you’re likely to see them return the favor. Don’t sit on your hands waiting for the public to discover you. Initiate.
Be Dynamic And Compelling: This doesn’t mean you have to change your personality or act like someone other than who you are. It does mean you should try to encourage interaction by posting things that are both interesting and relevant to your client base. It also means you should use pictures, post videos, ask questions, post surveys, and customize your pages wherever possible. The more dynamic your online presence, the more likely people will leave your pages with a positive impression of you and your business. It shows a bit of effort and care. It also shows you’re reliable, consistent, available, and interested in creating a dialogue with your customers.