The small scale business owners are always on the look out for ways to increase traffic and sales through social media. All of us know that social media is a very versatile, cost-effective advertising tool for businesses. It is also a great way to build an engaged community of potential customers. However, it is not easy to rise above the competition and grow your customer base. Here are seven tips to keep at your fingertips to increase sales through social media:
Use the right platform
By taking the time to analyse the channels your customers use, you can divide your attention into accounts of more priority. For example, if your target audience is the Gen Z population, people born after 1997, then you can use Instagram the most. On the other hand, if your target audience is above 40, concentrating on Facebook might be a better strategy.
Make the most out of the app features
Each platform has a unique set of features that can boost engagement and spark conversations with your audience. One of the most successful features is “Direct Messages” or the “Message” button, where a prospective customer can directly connect with you and your team to clear doubts, thus making their virtual window shopping experience hassle-free. “Stories” that last for 24 hours is also a useful feature. You can use this to take polls, speak about your brand, do a live video, and so on, to connect and learn more about your customers.
Post regularly
Consistency is key. By posting regularly, your customers are up-to-date with your brand and its values. You don’t always have to post a picture; you can switch it up with videos or go live. You can also incorporate the latest challenges in your videos. A well-balanced combination of both text and multimedia content can do wonders for your business. Ensure that your content is original and beneficial to your audience.
Use the right hashtags
Using the right hashtags is something specific to the focus of your business but is also generic. For example, #chemicalfreeskincare. Now, when customers search using this hashtag, your post is most likely to pop up thereby increasing your reach.
It is also important to post during the time your users are most active to make sure you have maximum engagement.
Include“calls to action”
In every caption of a photo or video, make sure you have links to your website so that the user does not have to spend time browsing through your feed trying to find the right link. In the bio of your account, along with the basic information of what your business is, attach CTAs ( Calls To Action), for example, a link to your newly launched product, or a product that is on sale.
Express gratitude
An emotional connection with your customers can increase brand loyalty. Express your gratitude as your following increases, thank them for engaging with a particular post. This shows you have noticed the effort from their end. You can also choose to gift them with giveaways, offer discount codes, and do a flash sale, which can immediately result in the growth of the page and increase sales.
Post client testimonials
Post customers’ feedback on your stories, or on your feed. This gives prospective customers proof and helps them trust your brand. Connect with influencers (people with a large following). You can implement various strategies with them such as,
● Sending them PR packages and collaborating with them
● Start a discount code under their name/account and ask them to promote it
● Sponsor influencer-run contests and giveaways.
For example, if you're a freelancer using social media to gain more clients or drive them to your listing on a freelancer platform, you can use testimonials from past clients to increase credibility in your services.
Social media is a wonderful tool to increase your sales. Keep yourself updated about the latest trends, engage with your followers, have CTAs, reach out to influencers, and surely you can see tremendous results over time.