You know the drill: In the digital age, no business is complete without an amazing social media presence. You already know potential customers are checking out your brand, stories, reels and overall vibe on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, but here’s the thing: If you’re a startup or small business, the cost of a social media manager seems a whole lot less wallet-friendly when you don’t have thousands of dollars to throw around in your first few years of business.
The good news is, you don’t have to break the bank to make your business’s social media profiles a dynamic hub of engagement and growth. In fact, we’re here to share 6 practical tips you can start implementing today using your smartphone for Instagram, Facebook, and more to enhance your brand and take your business to the next level of social media stardom.
Read on to find out more.
- Use The Adobe Express App
If you want your social media post to stop your followers dead in their tracks, that’s easily done by using the Adobe Express app. This app is absolutely unbelievable — packed with hundreds of fully customisable templates, the Adobe Express App is perfect for creating eye-catching images and graphics. Use it to announce a sale, let followers know about a new product, or just to share an inspirational quote and random thought. Plus, it helps that the interface is simple and intuitive to use, meaning even a complete novice can splice together professional looking content in minutes — something that you’d be hard-pressed to do with a professional designer. So, why wait? Your next viral post or infographic may just be a few clicks away.
- Choose Your Platforms Wisely
When it comes to digital marketing strategising, it may seem like a good idea to be present on as many social media platforms as possible…right? But take a step back. The honest truth is that not every network is going to be right for your brand. In reality, your goals, industry, and target market will affect which platforms are most worthwhile for you.
If you’re selling a visually appealing product, for example, an audience with an eye for aesthetics might best appreciate your content on Instagram or Pinterest. If you’re in the B2B space or offering professional services, however, you might more easily network and share industry insight with a Twitter or LinkedIn presence. Choose wisely to ensure that you’re not spread too thin and are able to focus on a few platforms where you can get the biggest bang for your buck.
- Master The Art Of Engagement
Social media is called “social” for a reason — it’s all about connecting with others. So, don’t just post and ghost! Instead, master the art of social media engagement…it’s no, it’s not as daunting as it seems. All you have to do is take the time to personally engage with your audience — reply to their comments, answer their questions and join them in conversation. Let your followers see that there’s a real person behind the screen who genuinely cares about hearing their thoughts and feedback.
Through truly engaging with your audience, you’ll build a sense of loyalty and trust, which are priceless to your business. After all, people want to do business with people they know, like and trust. So make sure you’re putting the social in social media — it can make all the difference in creating a community of loyal, supportive fans around your brand!
- Make Full Use of User-Generated Content
User-generated content is yet another stellar way to make the most of satisfied customers. Customers actually are your best advocates, and it can make the world of difference to showcase real customer content. Customers sharing their experiences with you — a photo of them using your product, a glowing review or a shoutout on their stories — add authenticity and credibility to your brand. Plus, it’s like free marketing! So don’t be afraid to re-gram user-generated content, giving credit where credit is due, of course. Doing so not only shows your customers you appreciate them but begins to weave a sense of community around your brand.
But here’s the real kicker: User-generated content helps drive engagement and sales. Customers are more likely to trust and buy from your brand when they see real people just like them enjoying your products or services. So, encourage customers to share their love for your brand and tag you. You may be pleasantly surprised at the kind of impact this has on your social media presence and bottom line – after all, there’s no better marketing than word-of-mouth from a satisfied customer.
- Piggyback On Trending Topics
Here’s a bright idea to step your social media game up: piggyback on those trending topics. It’s like riding the wave of social media chatter and getting your brand in front of a bigger audience without breaking a sweat. Keep an eye on trending hashtags, viral challenges, or the latest hot topic in your industry and find a creative way to incorporate it into your content. Whether that means joining a trending conversation with a clever comment, or putting your own spin on a viral meme, hopping onto the trend train can give your social media profiles a nice boost in visibility and engagement.
But here’s the secret: Make sure whatever trending topics you’re hopping onto align with your brand’s voice and values. You don’t want to force it or come off as inauthentic, so find a way to think about how trending topics intersect with the interests of your audience. By keeping things relevant, you’ll show your brand still knows how to stay on the pulse, and stay ahead of the game on the constantly evolving landscape that is social media marketing.
- Collaborate With Micro Influencers
Last but not least, think about partnering with micro-bloggers and micro-influencers to give your social media profiles the boost they need. These digital power players may not have millions of followers, but what they lack in numbers, they make up for in authenticity and engagement. Unlike larger influencers who often come with big price tags, micro-influencers are often more accessible and can help promote your brand without breaking the bank. Even better, their fans just trust their endorsements more, making their two cents more valuable.
In today’s social media world, authenticity is the name of the game, and micro-influencers are just that. In a time where over-curated, ultra polished content just doesn’t fly, audiences have spoken for a preference for realness and relatability – or two things that these influencers know a thing or two about. By partnering with micro-influencers whose values align with your own, you’ll have the opportunity to tap into their loyal fan-base and reach a highly targeted audience that’s actually interested in what you’re selling.
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There you have it — 6 practical tips to elevate your business’s social media…without ever having to think about remortgaging your home. Remember, building a strong social media presence takes boat loads of time, patience, and consistency. But with the right approach and a dash of creativity, you can create a killer online presence that resonates with your audience and, of course, increases business!
So, roll up your sleeves, put these tips into action, and watch your social media profiles soar to new heights.
