7 Ways to Grow Your Small Business on Social Media
Are you a small business owner hoping to grow your business in a cost-efficient way? If so, social media might be the key you’re looking for. There are over 4.76 billion social media users around the world, so you are likely to connect with your audience on these platforms. And the best part is that you don’t need to invest thousands of dollars into a social media marketing strategy in order for it to work. This type of marketing thrives off strategy and innovation.
Below are seven ways that you can grow your small business using social media.
1. Choose the right platforms
The first step is to choose the best platforms for your business, as you don’t need to be on all channels at once. In fact, being on too many channels will cause you to spread yourself too thin. Give your best to a few channels and watch your following grow. You can then decide if you want to branch out to additional channels.
The platforms you choose should align with your audience and the type of content you are creating. For example, Instagram is a visual platform, so you’ll need to create short videos and attractive images. Twitter shares real-time updates, while Instagram is all about professional content - webinars, case studies and long-form blog posts.
2. Create a social media calendar
Once you’ve chosen your platforms, create an editorial calendar that shows what you will be posting and when. Look at your competitors to see what types of content they’re posting and the engagement they’re getting. Also pay attention to relevant hashtags, upcoming holidays, trending news, etc. that relate to your business. These elements will get your brand in the conversation, and give you ideas for fresh content.
3. Take advantage of live video
Live video is a great way to engage with customers, provide a behind-the-scenes look of your business and answer common questions/concerns. It’s also a more personal and friendly way to provide this type of information, helping you create stronger connections with your customers. Research from Livestream found that 80 percent of consumers prefer live video to a blog post.
4. Host a contest or giveaway
Another way to put social media to use is by launching a contest or giveaway. Make it simple for people to participate. Adding a quick form to fill out is a great way to do this. You can give away a physical item, such as a t-shirt or coffee mug, or do something with your product. If your product can’t be completely free, consider offering a free trial or upgraded subscription.
5. Collaborate with others
Whether it’s other businesses or influencers, get out there and start making conversation! Collaborating with someone is an effective way to leverage their following, and vice versa. The key is to make sure that you are working with someone who complements your business so that their audience is relevant. For example, if you own a clothing store, you might want to partner with a business that sells shoes or jewelry.
6. Don’t skip out on paid advertising
Even though you can use social media for free, don’t shy away from paid advertising. Social media advertising is a cost-effective way to drive more traffic to your website, increase sales and reach a wider audience. Thankfully, this is made easier with all of the targeting options that social media advertising offers, allowing you to target specific demographics.
7. Include strong calls-to-action
Always include strong CTAs on your social media posts. They tell your audience what you want them to do next, whether it be visiting your website, filling out a form or entering a giveaway. Look at things from the user’s point of view so that you can craft a compelling CTA. Social CTAs can appear on both organic posts and paid ads.
Are you ready to take your social media marketing strategy to the next level? Contact Yovia Social to learn more about our affordable social media packages and how they can help you reach new audiences!