We all know at this stage that social media marketing is important for every type of business, but for some people the most intimating part of the process is starring at that empty status update box with a blank mind and nothing to say.
Social media platforms are no longer just social, they’re great channels for marketing your business. There are about 3 billion active internet users and since almost 2.1 billion of them have social media accounts – it makes sense for your business to have an active presence on social media.
Not sure what to say to your followers? What type of content can you post to engage your audience and market your business without coming across too self – promotional.
If you’re stuck for ideas, below are a few ideas on how to engage with your social media followers and get the conversation going!
ASK A QUESTION:
When you feel nothing else is working, one of the best ways to engage with your audience is simply by asking them a question.
One thing to keep in mind is that these questions don’t need to be business-orientated. People visiting your site may not be there to immediately convert, more than likely they are having a snoop and want to see what you are up to and if there is anything cool happening they might be interested in.
But what type of questions can I use to capture a visitor’s attention?
Here’s a few suggestions.
- What three things could you not live without?
- What would you like to see on our menu?
- What’s your favourite design trend?
- What’s your favourite gin & tonic?
- Who’s your favourite band?
Like many new social media profiles, your audience may be small and non-interactive. To prevent your page from looking dead you may consider asking friends or colleagues to engage to get the conversation going.
By asking your audience questions, this will also help you with market research. You’ll get an insight into your audience by asking certain questions and see what type of challenges and problems your audience face. You audience will then feel a bit closer to you because you’ve given them an opportunity to express their frustrations and challenges therefore engagement on your profiles will increase.
PITCH A PROMOTION:
Has your business any exciting monthly promotion? A special offer on a product? Or maybe you’ve made changes to the menu? This is all news. And something you should be sharing with your audience. Create a special offer and get your message across social media platforms that are relevant to your audience. Imagery is a very powerful tool. Effective artwork for your social media is sure to catch peoples eye.
START A DEBATE:
If it’s one thing people love to do online, it’s voice their opinion! A great way to get conversation going on your social media is simply to start a debate. Has there been a recent development in the industry? Maybe a recent event has occurred, whatever the topic people will voice their opinion. Get stuck in and see what people must say.
SHARE YOUR TIPS & TRICKS:
Who knows more about your products, services and market than you? Get out there and share your experience with people! The do’s and don’ts of whatever your industry may be. People love to learn from each other and hear of real live experiences. Establishing a brand voice is the most powerful way of attracting likeminded customers.
TEASE YOUR AUDIENCE:
Updating your product or working on an exciting project? New menu the chef is working on? Tease this! Share your work as you go. Images, videos, share it! No matter what the industry or products this can be applied. People love to get an insight into your business and see what happens behind the scenes. These don’t have to be the highest quality art work or the most professional photography, a glimpse of something new, the rawer the better. Get your audience excited about what is to come!
Simple as, businesses can’t ignore the power of social media and how much it can help you engage with your current and potential customers. Interacting with your audience through social media is a great way to get the insight you need to help make critical business decisions and it can all be done by sparking a conversation! Brand awareness will increase rapidly with this type of engagement. From this you will notice an increase in sales along with a higher traffic rate to your website.
So what are you waiting for? Start talking!
