If you own a business, be it an online business, or backyard nursery, sometimes advertising can be difficult. How do you get your products and/or business name out there? Today more and more people are looking to social media and internet advertising.
If you have a limited advertising budget, that’s another reason why it is beneficial to advertise via Social Media.
So, what are some of the tricks? Believe me there are tricks for effective Social Media Advertising for free. It can be done though.
1. Create Social Media Accounts.
First you must create accounts in the name of your business on various Social Media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, YouTube and even Instagram. You can set up a free account so no money lost there. For example: on Facebook set up a “group.” Get your accounts up and running.
When creating the pages that discuss what your business is, and what your business can provide, be sure to highlight what sets your products or services apart from everyone else. You’re not being conceited you’re being a good business person.
Add lots of photos of your products. Descriptions of your products should be short and sweet. In other words: get to the point fast.
2. Offers.
Offer coupons or discounts via your various Social Media Accounts that customers can only get through those sites. For example: you have a Facebook page for your business. Your customers come in, you ask them to sign up or like your page, they do. You now have customers checking your business page for offers when they can’t come in personally.
3. Talk to your customers.
Don’t use your Social Media Accounts simply to throw out money saving offers – talk to them. Develop a relationship with your customers. If they feel you are taking time out of your day to answer questions they will be more likely to come on in to your store or buy your products and services. Why? You are building a relationship with your customer base. Customers like to feel as if they are being personally taken care of.
Customers will be loyal to any business that makes them feel like their business – and they – matter. So, answer questions. Take suggestions and even ask for ideas. Relationships are important.
4. “Like” or “Friend”.
Like your customers’ pages on the various Social Media Accounts. Why? Again, it’s all about relationships. Sometimes accounts can be difficult to find or your customers may forget to like your business page or, lets face it, some don’t know how.
At your next plant sale put out a box and ask customers to drop in their Facebook page names so YOU can get them special offers or get their feedback. Those that participate will appreciate the added attention you are providing them.
Also the average person has at least 100 “friends” or “likes”, so say 20 customers participate, that is an additional 2000 potential customers in your area.
5. I hear you.
Don’t use your Social Media Account for simply selling products. Use these platforms as a way to listen and improve your business. No one likes criticism but when customers make suggestions or are even upset, take that as an opportunity to show just how much you care about their business. Listen to their suggestions or complaints and discuss openly ways to fix the problem.
Others on the page will see for themselves how you handle things and the outcome of the issue will help them decide whether they can trust you with their business and ultimately their money. No you can’t please everyone. But, you can at least give the situation your attention. Most people will respect that.
6. Blogging.
I know. Like you don’t have enough to do. But, blogging can be a very effective way to reach your customers. Customers want to feel as if they are dealing with someone who knows what they’re talking about. I wouldn’t want to buy a tulip bulb from someone who couldn’t tell me how to plant it.
Blogging is a good way to let your customers know you understand your products and you can help them if problems arise. You can also link all your various Social Media platforms on your blog.
7. The words you use.
I think the most important tool anyone can use, be it free advertising, or advertising you pay for, are the words you use. Be descriptive. Use words that draw attention to your products or your blog headlines. “Exquisite,” or “Fire Red,” may make someone pause long enough to read your article or check out the product involved.
If I were browsing Google (for example) for red geraniums and the words, “Fire Red,” came up – guess what link I’m clicking on. Your words don’t have to require a dictionary – but make them stand out when discussing your products or anything about your business and the services you provide.
8. Have fun.
We all do enough work but you can be informative, receptive and a responsible business owner all while having fun with your customers and listening to their wants or needs.
Remember your Social Media marketing efforts are a reflection of you AND your business.
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Thank You Sharon, we do use a lot of the free bees sites mainly face book. I had a sale last week-end and took in $500.00 , all from F.B. We get a few from C.L. but not many. We are going to try some of the others also. Great info!