How Does Social Media Play a Part in Your Marketing?
Social media has grown to epic proportions. If you’re not active on at least 2 social networking sites, trying to get the word out on something you’re working on can be difficult. One of the issues authors have with social media is not having enough time in the day to spread the word about their products and services. Don’t get left behind and leave your competitors with all of the engagement!
Now, creating an effective social media strategy doesn’t involve constantly throwing content at your readers. It’s important to be polite and subtle so it doesn’t look like you’re even promoting anything at all. Your marketing should be unique, and your updates should not be automated every time. The whole point of this marketing approach is to show off your personality and human touch!
Here are some simple, effective ways to share and promote your content on social media:
1. Cover Photo Promotion: The first thing you see when you come across a social media page is its cover photo. You may not think too much about it, but it does resonate with your audience. It has similar aspects to that of a book cover or movie trailer. Your value needs to be recognized right away and your brand should be highlighted in an appealing and impactful way. The design should also be updated at regular intervals to keep it exciting and fresh while still preserving your brand.
2. Share Other Media: Images and videos have forced their way to the top with social media. When there is so much information shared daily, a paragraph or rambling note with emoticons can get skipped over easily. However, if the content you share comes in bulleted list form with worthwhile tips, you will get more eyes to stop and read it. Videos, photos and infographics are also easy on the eyes. If you have the time and resources to create them, they can be an extremely advantageous marketing move. Even sharing media your company did not create is still a useful promotion provided it relates to your brand. You need to Get the Word Out any way you can.
3. Reveal Your Milestones: You can learn a lot by paying attention to your social media sites. If you are unaware of how many followers or fans you acquire each week or month, you’re not doing enough. When you reach milestones, you should broadcast that good news. Think of the way politics is run, especially as of late. When you hear candidates receiving impressive amounts of voter support, that number keeps getting shared! It may only be a short announcement, but people listen and get engaged with what’s trending.
4. Ask for Feedback: It’s no secret that listening to your fans and followers can help your marketing campaign. You need to focus on their interests and ask for feedback. While this is not a direct marketing approach, it’s quicker and easier than a survey and the results can be significantly more helpful. Every couple weeks, ask your followers a question related to a product or an idea you have in the future. Their responses may jumpstart a new direction for your platform. When you are unsure of your next step, this is a great opportunity to take heed of input from your target market.
5. Rewards for Sharing Your Content: Asking your fans and followers to contribute to your content will add another layer of value to your business. You shouldn’t have to do all of the work yourself. You will always have people who are excited to participate and share your content! Give them a chance to market for you (and it doesn’t cost you a dime). If you invest time in this, you’ll have no problem rewarding them for their efforts. Think about your marketing strategy and how you will reward and thank those who participated. Go here for some of our top ways to give thanks to your readers.
6. Subtle Promotion in Comments: The comments section is a great place for people to voice their opinion freely on a subject. It’s also an excellent opportunity for you to voice your own opinion while throwing in subtle promotion. Hint at something you’ve worked on that will clear things up on the topic of the discussion (such as one of your articles or a product). Don’t be afraid of digging through the comments section! It’s an easy way to share content with one person in such a way that others can see the same content and learn from it as well.
Try some of our tips above and see how your results improve and how your audience responds. We’re not asking you to do any heavy lifting! We’re merely suggesting useful strategies that other marketers have had success with, are inexpensive, and can pack a powerful punch.
However, there’s a chance you could run into some trouble with your marketing approach. We recommend reading our blog titled Stop and Listen: A Guide to a Solid Social Media Strategy for some constructive advice when you choose to take your promotion efforts to social media.
Did you find our advice helpful? What tips are you going to try on your own? Let us know – we’re always open for your comments!