While technology in our society is constantly evolving, so is the way we market our businesses. For those of us who have been running businesses for a while, this is a big change to adjust to. For those of us emerging female entrepreneurs, some people are able to start successful businesses from their social media following. Whoever you are, social media marketing is an essential skill every entrepreneur needs. Here’s social media marketing experts Samantha Odo and Marlene L. Rosen’s advice on how to grow your business through social media.
Q: Which social media platforms should I use for my business?
A: Selecting the most suitable social media platforms for your business is a crucial decision. To do this effectively, start by understanding your target audience. Research their demographics, interests, and online behavior. If your audience is primarily younger, platforms like Instagram or TikTok might be a good fit, while LinkedIn might work better for a professional audience. Consistency across platforms should always be considered, so choose a few that align with your brand and your audience’s preferences.
Q: What strategies can I use to gain a following on social media?
A: To grow your social media following, you must create high-quality, engaging content. Regularly post content that provides value, entertains, educates, or inspires your audience. Use relevant hashtags and engage with your followers by responding to comments and messages promptly. Collaborate with other businesses or influencers in your niche to cross-promote, and consider running contests or giveaways to boost engagement.
If you want to be featured in the news, many reporters are on Twitter. They sometimes post about the content they are looking to write about. On any platform, you can send a DM (direct message) to people and see what they report on. From there, you could get their email address to pitch them.
Q: How should I engage with my brand’s following on social media?
A: Engaging with your social media audience is a surefire way to increase the visibility of your brand. Respond to comments, ask questions, and create polls to encourage interaction. Share user-generated content, which not only establishes your connection with followers but also acts as genuine testimonials. Additionally, use features like live streaming and stories to provide real-time engagement and connect on a more personal level.
Q: How can I implement influencers into my brand’s social media?
A: Set a budget for influencer marketing. Find influencers whose audience is a match to your target audience. You can go for smaller influencers here. The bigger the audience an influencer has, the more they can charge. Influencers with 1,000 followers can have very engaged audiences, and that’s what you want. Review the posts to see how much people like, comment, and share. When you’ve found an influencer you want to work with, pitch them how your product will help their audience. If the influencer agrees to work with you, it will put your product/business in front of a new set of people and help grow your audience and following.
Q: How does personal branding come into play with social media marketing?
A: Personal branding is integral to social media marketing. Many businesses have been launched and grown through personal social media platforms. Your personal brand should align with your business values. By sharing your journey, expertise, and passion, you can create a connection with your audience that fosters trust and loyalty. This way if you decide to change businesses, some people will still support you because they like who you show up as online.
Tip: Let your audience know you are using the page for business and personal purposes. You may also change your profile type (business/creator), which changes some features of your account but still keeps the same account.
Q: What type of content should I post on my business account?
A: The type of content you should focus on depends on your audience’s preferences and your brand’s message. It’s beneficial to have a mix of content, including educational, entertaining, and promotional posts.
A business can provide value by educating its audience with content that shares information about their industry, how their product works/helps, the behind-the-scenes, and more. A business can provide value by entertaining its audience using skits, playing games, and more.
Q: Do you have any other tips for using social media for business growth?
A: Businesses that want to use social media effectively must keep up with trends and algorithms. Regularly analyze your metrics to refine your strategy, and be patient. Building a strong online presence takes time, so stay consistent and don’t be discouraged by slow growth initially. Additionally, consider paid advertising to boost your visibility and reach a broader audience. And most importantly, stay consistent with posting.
Social media marketing experts:
Samantha Odo: Real Estate Sales Representative & Montreal Division Manager
Marlene L. Rosen: Social Media Strategist
