Social media is one of the most popular past times of this generation. In 2020, over 3.6 billion people were active social media users worldwide. That number is projected to increase in the coming years. This means, if you want to reach your target audience, you’re likely to find them on social media.
Some businesses still think that social media platforms are unprofessional and not the right place to promote your business, but this is an outdated way of thinking. So many businesses, big and small, are thriving on these platforms. So many businesses acknowledge the importance of social media that they have allotted a significant amount of their marketing budget for social media marketing, like partnering with a reputable social media agency.
But how exactly does social media benefit your eCommerce business? For one, it boosts your brand awareness. 60% of Instagram users claim to discover new products while using the platform. Another is it humanizes your brand. Now, more than ever, consumers are wary of businesses. We can use social media to gain their trust and build brand loyalty.
Using social media to your advantage
With the help of a social media agency, we’ve drafted a few tips on how you can leverage social media to promote your business more effectively.
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Select the right platform
Not all social media sites are the same. Each site has its unique ecosystem, with different demographics, algorithms, and user behavior. Understanding this will save you money and time from managing social media platforms that aren’t suited to your business. For example, if you’re a business-to-business (B2B) company, you’re better off on LinkedIn, since the people there are professionals, with some specifically on the lookout for businesses to partner with.
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Filter your ads properly
Social media offers marketers a sophisticated ad filtering system that allows them to reach their intended target audience. People share so much on social media, from their age, gender, interests, etc. and this information can help you find the people who may be interested in your products. The less targeted your ads are, the more expensive they become, and while you may think it’s more beneficial to cast a wide net, studies show that you get a lower cost per acquisition when your ads are more refined. This makes sense because you’re spending less while reaching the people who are more likely to buy your product.
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Expand your audience
Did you know that 89% of the people who follow a brand on social media will likely purchase a product from that brand? This means that one of your major social media goals should involve getting as many followers as possible. To do this, you need to let people know your brand exists. One of the ways you can do that is by running a contest that involves sharing a post or tagging friends. This strategy expands your reach and brings other people in through your followers.
Another way you can expand your audience is by checking Facebook Groups. Your target audience is likely to have a group or community somewhere, and this is a good place to advertise your products, as you can be sure that everyone in that group is interested in what you have to offer.
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Content production
45% of people say they unfollow a brand’s social media if it keeps posting irrelevant content. This means, to maintain your following, you must upload content that offers value to your user base. You can’t be a store selling needlecraft materials only to upload ads and videos promoting a different company or hobby.
Knowing the difference in post format of each social media platform will help you use each platform more effectively. Instagram is more for photos and short videos while YouTube is perfect for longer videos. Another secret to getting more followers and ensuring you’re at the forefront of their minds is if you upload high-quality content consistently. This is where having a content production team helps. With a team, you can maintain a consistent posting schedule. They can plan content, film videos or write articles, then upload them for your followers to enjoy.
Effectively using social media isn’t just about going viral or getting the most followers. It’s also about knowing exactly what content and communication style resonates best with your followers. Understanding your consumer base is key to building a marketing strategy that works. If you’re still struggling to get a stable footing in the social media landscape, working with a reputable social media agency will get you on the right track.
