Social media has changed a lot in recent years.
New platforms and features have leveled the playing field, but they’ve also made everything ten times more confusing.
There used to just be “likes” and “follows.” Now there’s “stitches,” “remixes,” “duets,” “reels,” “original audios” vs “trending audios…”
It can be pretty overwhelming.
If you’re just starting out, here’s what you need to know.
Step 1: Define your Audience
Before creating content or posting, it’s vitally important to know your target audience. Put yourself into the shoes of your ideal customer. Take 10-15 minutes to brainstorm about their life.
What is their age?
Occupation?
Where do they live?
What level of education did they reach?
What are their hobbies?
What are they anxious about?
Do they have a family?
What is their struggle that would make them want your product?
For example, if I owned a bridal boutique and wanted to know my target audience, I would answer those questions and create this “buyer persona.”
My ideal buyer is someone like Meghan. She’s 27 and lives in NYC, near my store location. She works as an executive assistant and has a bachelor’s degree. On the weekends, she enjoys going out to brunch with her friends, walking her dog, and making “outfit of the day” TikTok videos. She’s excited to be planning her wedding and has a curated Pinterest board. She’s nervous about the wedding budget and knows this is a big day.
You don’t have to write out a paragraph like the one above or give your fantasy buyer a name, but it can serve as a helpful reminder.
Step 2: Choose the Right Platforms
Not every business needs to be on every platform.
Instagram, Pinterest, and Tiktok are excellent for visually-appealing products and service-based businesses. LinkedIn and Twitter can help your b2b company meet your ideal clients.
The audience on social media skews young, on average. The most active users on social media are between the ages of 19 and 29.
If your ideal customers are older, I would recommend Facebook and Twitter.
Hoping to grow a dedicated fanbase of zillenials? TikTok and Instagram are your best bet.
Step 3: Optimize your Profiles
Your profile will be the face of your business online. Take care to ensure that the profile picture, bio, and cover photo are aligned with your brand identity.
Many businesses use a logo as their profile picture, but you can also choose a photo from a company event, a picture of your headquarters, or even your favorite snapshot of a top selling product.
Step 4: Develop your Content Strategy
Consistent, high-quality content is the key to audience engagement. A content calendar isn’t required, but I think it’s the best way to stay organized.
Your content should cover three main pillars: educational, promotional, and entertaining. Educational and entertaining content are hands down the most important type.
One of the biggest mistakes that most businesses make on social media is spending too much time promoting their services and products.
If you want your account to grow, you need to give your buyers a reason to continue engaging with your posts after they make a purchase.
Remember that you’re building a community, you’re not just chasing a sale.
Step 5: Engage with your Audience
Social media is a two-way street. Respond promptly to comments, messages, and mentions. Engagement not only builds a loyal community but also enhances your brand's reputation. Encourage conversations, ask questions, and seek feedback from your audience.
Step 6: Use hashtags wisely
Hashtags can expand your reach by making your content discoverable to users interested in similar topics. Research relevant and trending hashtags in your industry, but don't overdo it. Aim for a mix of popular and niche hashtags to increase your chances of being seen.
Steal our exact strategy for growing business accounts on Instagram:
6-10 hashtags
Each hashtag should have 20k-800k
Don’t use hashtags with more than 1 million uses
Step 7: Analyze and Adjust
Regularly review your social media analytics to understand what's working and what isn't. Platforms offer insights into engagement, reach, and audience demographics. Use this data to refine your content strategy and make informed decisions.
Step 8: Stay Authentic
Authenticity is the cornerstone of successful social media marketing. Be genuine in your interactions, avoid over-promotion, and let your brand's personality shine through. Users connect more with businesses that feel human and relatable.
In conclusion, growing your business on social media requires a combination of understanding your audience, strategic planning, and consistent effort. By following these steps, you can establish a strong online presence, connect with your target audience, and drive business growth in the exciting realm of social media. Remember, patience and perseverance are key – building a loyal following takes time, but the rewards are well worth it.
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