It seems like every company is interested in how to become better at social media marketing, whether they’re just testing the waters of social media for the first time, or whether they have been on Twitter and Facebook for years and are trying to hone their process of social media lead generation.
No matter where your company stands on the spectrum of social media marketing, below are a few easy ways that you can get better results and improve your lead generation on social media.
How to Improve Your Social Media Marketing
1. Listen First, Then Talk
One of the great things about social media is that it makes it possible to proactively find out what problems and concerns are already being discussed by your audience.
For example, you can go on Twitter and search for keywords related to your industry or to the solution you sell, and immediately find out what people are saying. Are people complaining about a competitor, asking for ideas or referrals, asking for price quotes, or expressing frustration with some aspect of their current service provider?
Find out what people are saying, and be ready to respond with offers of assistance.
2. Build Relationships with People Who Have Bigger Audiences
Even if you are relatively new to social media, don’t be afraid to find ways to jump into conversations. Don’t be afraid to strike up conversations with experts in your field, even if they have big audiences. That’s the best way to expand your audience, by getting retweeted and mentioned by people who can introduce you to their followers.
If you offer productive contributions to conversations and share your expertise, you’ll be likely to develop a reputation of your own as someone who is worth following.
3. Start Your Own “Tribes”
Look for opportunities to start conversations related to topics that affect your industry or that respond to questions posed by your customers and prospects.
If your industry doesn’t already have an active LinkedIn group, start your own or start a group that is based on your local geography. Be a leader of conversations on social media, and people will start to look to you for real-life leadership.
Leadership is, in itself, a powerful form of marketing.
4. Don’t Spam People
This should go without saying, but too many companies are still making the mistake of bombarding people with canned, insincere messages.
Remember, you’re talking with real people – act like it.
5. Make Your Social Media Activities More Automatic – and More Personal
That said, there is a place for automated social media messages. Use tools like Hootsuite or Tweetdeck to schedule messages in advance, in bulk. Then use a dedicated 20-30 minutes per day to respond personally to questions, inquiries and to pose questions to people you follow on social media.
Social media is a promising tool because it enables us to put a human face on our companies and interact with customers in real time, with more focus and precision than ever before.
But make sure to do it the right way – with genuine authenticity and constructive contributions to the discussion.
6. Engage with User-Generated Content
Encouraging and sharing user-generated content is a powerful strategy in social media marketing. When customers post about your product or service, engage with their content by liking, commenting, or even sharing it on your platform.
This not only boosts engagement but also builds a community around your brand. It’s a way of showing appreciation for your customers and can often lead to more authentic and persuasive content than traditional advertising.
7. Utilize Visuals to Enhance Your Message
Incorporating visuals like images, infographics, and videos can significantly increase engagement on social media. Visual content is more likely to be shared and remembered than plain text. It’s crucial to use high-quality and relevant visuals that align with your message and brand identity. This approach can help in breaking through the clutter and capturing the attention of your audience.
8. Regularly Monitor and Adapt Your Strategy
Social media trends and algorithms are constantly changing. Regularly monitoring your social media metrics and adapting your strategy accordingly is crucial for continued success. Pay attention to what types of posts generate the most engagement and adjust your content plan to include more of these.
Staying adaptable and responsive to analytics insights ensures your social media marketing remains effective and relevant.
9. Leverage Hashtags Wisely
Hashtags can increase the visibility of your social media posts to a wider audience. However, it’s important to use them wisely. Research relevant and trending hashtags in your industry, but avoid overusing them. A couple of well-chosen hashtags are often more effective than a long list that can make your post look spammy.
10. Collaborate with Influencers and Industry Leaders
Collaborating with influencers and industry leaders can provide a significant boost to your social media presence. Influencers can introduce your brand to a larger and more engaged audience.
When choosing influencers, ensure they align with your brand values and have a genuine connection with their followers. This kind of partnership can lead to increased credibility and reach for your social media marketing efforts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Social Media Marketing
What’s the significance of listening before engaging on social media?
Listening to conversations related to your industry or solution helps you understand audience concerns and problems. This knowledge empowers you to provide assistance and solutions, enhancing engagement.
How can building relationships with experts benefit my brand?
Engaging experts in your field with larger audiences exposes your brand to a broader reach. Meaningful contributions to conversations can establish you as a reputable figure worth following.
How does starting your own “tribes” influence social media marketing?
Starting conversations on relevant topics or questions within your industry fosters leadership and credibility. Initiating discussions positions you as a resource, driving engagement and trust.
Why is spamming people a critical mistake in social media marketing?
Bombarding users with canned and insincere messages damages brand authenticity and alienates potential followers. It’s crucial to treat users as real people and interact genuinely.
How can I balance automation and personal engagement on social media?
Automated messages have a place but should be supplemented with personalized responses. Utilize tools like Hootsuite or Tweetdeck for scheduling and reserve time to engage genuinely.
Why is video dominance a significant trend in social media marketing?
Video content engages audiences across platforms, offering immersive experiences. Visual storytelling through videos resonates with viewers and is essential for brand connection.
How does authenticity and transparency impact modern social media strategies?
Consumers seek authentic brands that share values and purpose. Genuine interactions, humanizing the brand, and showcasing faces behind it build trust and loyalty.
What is the concept of ephemeral content and its role in engagement?
Ephemeral content, like Stories, provides temporary insights into brands. This trend caters to users’ desire for real-time glimpses and creates a sense of urgency, driving engagement.
How does social commerce integration reshape user experience?
Social platforms blend content and commerce, allowing direct product discovery and purchase. Brands need to create seamless shopping experiences aligned with user behavior insights.
How does personalization play a role in micro-moments?
Micro-moments are quick instances when users seek information. Understanding user intent during these moments enables brands to offer tailored content, catering to immediate needs.
Why is sustainability and social responsibility important in social media strategies?
Consumers favor brands committed to societal and environmental causes. Brands aligning with these values not only resonate with preferences but also showcase genuine contributions.
How does voice search optimization impact social media visibility?
The rise of voice-activated devices demands content optimization for voice search. Incorporating conversational language and long-tail keywords improves visibility in voice search results.
What’s the significance of data privacy and user security in social media marketing?
Amid data privacy concerns, adhering to regulations and communicating transparent data practices builds user trust. Safeguarding data protects brand reputation.
How are AI and chatbots transforming social media engagement?
Artificial intelligence and chatbots enhance customer service and support 24/7. Instant responses and personalized interactions through AI-driven solutions enhance user experiences.
How do micro-influencers and niche communities impact brand reach?
Micro-influencers with engaged followings within specific niches offer targeted reach. Collaborating with these influencers connects brands with receptive audiences.
Marketing Photo via Shutterstock
Above tips are really best to give social media the required platform that it actually needs, i believe that it needs to give everyone the freedom of expression, basis on which it can its own verdict. Also at the same time acknowledging actual people about their deeds, is a great way to be in the race.
One tip about getting people to give you the time of day on twitter: Anytime you can set up a promotion where both you and the influencer both win, you have tweet worthy material. This is why contests can work so well.
I think a business needs to look at social media as another avenue to build relationships with customers. Relationships require a lot of listening. I was happy to see that you listed that as step number one. I see too many businesses using social media as a soap box or megaphone to tell the world about their brand. Customers want to be heard.
That’s true. One of the pros of social media is that you can reach out to important people. With this, you can reach out to the key people in the field. Wise marketers know how to utilize this. After all, you cannot be in the business alone.
These tips really are the answers for the never-ending questions on how to become a better social media marketer. I just love the fact of making the audience feel empowered and motivated by connecting to them personally. I think it’s a value that a marketer should learn to maintain more than anything else.
If your twitter account is supposed to represent you as a person (employee of your company instead of your brand), use a picture of your face and don’t be afraid to let a bit of personality shine through! People want to follow human beings, not online flyers. Social media for business is still a little bit human.