How To Use Social Media To Sell Your Products

Similar to traditional marketing tactics, selling your products on social media starts with targeting your audience and spreading the word. However, your sales efforts require a more casual approach than the direct methods that are conventionally practiced in the off-line world. Even though social networks are primarily used for information and entertainment, they also provide insights about your prospects' interests, needs, and concerns. This can then be used to gradually convert your social media followers into loyal and satisfied customers. Here are some more tips to follow.

Determine the best social venue

Each social network is predominantly composed of one type of audience. LinkedIn is ideal for building business-to-business (B2B) relationships while Instagram may appeal more to younger people interested in the latest trends such as lifestyle and fashion. Meanwhile, Twitter's broader audience often attracts early technology adapters who want to stay informed about their interests on the go. Establish a solid presence on the most appropriate social network based on your business's products, services, and objectives.

Deliver a great presentation

Speak the same lingo as your audience by presenting your information in fun and digestible ways to help maximize your reach. Rely on visuals, such as images and videos, along with concise headlines, to grab the attention of your followers immediately. For example, Instagram recently reported that the time users spent watching video increased by over 40 percent, suggesting a powerful trend that could lead to higher engagement and leads. Additionally, establish a likable persona that is consistent with your prospects' primary way of communicating, such as using mild humor in your posts and updates.

Build trust and authority

It is nearly impossible to sell your products on social media without building a mutual sense of trust with your followers. Connect with those who have expressed interest in your industry by searching for business-related phrases and buzzwords. Posting updates with relatable hashtags (where applicable) allows more people to see your posts and potentially establish a connection with your business. Engage with your audience by answering their questions and concerns, as well as sharing any thoughts that are relatable to your industry. Most importantly, remain consistent about your posting schedule to establish a friendly and familiar presence over time.

Avoid excessive pitches

Social media is primarily a place for people to observe, learn, and have fun. For this reason, you should typically promote your products by presenting them in fun, interesting, and creative ways. For example, try linking to an article on your company blog that has a highly engaging headline, then let readers know of a relatable product that aligns with their interests. Moreover, make sure that the majority of your social updates are not directly selling a product.

Provide exclusive benefits

Having an active, lively social network account allows you to create a tight-knit community, which opens the doors to certain consumer benefits. Post exclusive offers that are available only via social networks, provide a code that shoppers can use for a discount on online and in-store purchases, and periodically reveal coupon codes to your followers. Accompany these deals with a sense of urgency, granting them only for a limited amount of time.

Run an advertising campaign

Due to increased competition, running an advertising campaign may be ideal for reaching your target audience and establishing new leads. Set a monthly advertising budget around your target demographics, track your conversion rates, and tweak the campaign according to results. For instance, using the aforementioned discount tactics could potentially boost your following and help sell more products as a result.

Retain your audience

Establish other ways to reach your social media prospects to streamline communication and potential sales. Occasionally invite your followers to sign up for your company newsletter for periodic updates that resonate with their needs and interests. This is especially useful with existing customers, as they may be more inclined to buy additional products because they have already had a positive experience with your offers.

Social media can be a viable and cost-effective venue for selling your products. Start with these tips, and consider using Vionic, which grants The UPS Store customers up to 52 percent off on powerful marketing software for platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.

Six Summer Success Strategies for Your Small Business

The summer season opens up opportunities for some types of small businesses. For others, however, summer months can lead to fewer customers and lower profits. Regardless of what type of business you own, the following success strategies can effectively help generate sales and visibility, even among those who are not generally familiar with your products and services.

1. Revamp your social media strategy

Though customers may not visit your business often, they are still active via social media, making your products one tap or click away. It is not only important to post new updates more frequently, but it is also crucial to know when your audience is more likely to be active online. Gather basic insights, such as traffic statistics and engagement rates, to help make social media interactions more effective.

Slower summer months might also be a great time to get acquainted with other social platforms you have been considering. Analyze the audience on these platforms, evaluate which channel is the right fit for your business and add it to your overall marketing mix for greater impact.

2. Focus on networking

Networking opportunities are available almost everywhere. Aside from more formal events, casual summer gatherings also offer subtle opportunities to let people know about your small business. Other ways to meet new faces in the summertime include sporting events or localized online platforms like Meetup. In the end, spreading the word about your business will help you gain loyal customers.

3. Leverage promotions

Limited-time deals and promotions are popular for a reason, and they can be particularly powerful in driving sales during slower summer months. Regardless of how busy a customer may be, ignoring a great opportunity is almost always difficult.

Success strategies may include "buy one, get one free" deals or discounts on select goods and services. You could also create a referral program in which you lower a product's price for anyone who brings in a new customer. The right summer sales strategy can help maintain, or improve, a healthy profit margin.

4. Leverage contests and freebies

Similarly to promotional incentives, contests and free gifts generally do a good job of drawing attention. They can also help generate buzz through word-of-mouth marketing, depending on the products and services offered.

For instance, you could launch a giveaway with easy admission requirements, such as leaving a comment on social media or texting a phone number between certain hours. You could also provide a free item one day of the week to select customers or those involved in a particular membership. Do not forget to routinely advertise these freebies on your website and via your newsletter campaign. For help creating and managing an e-mail or newsletter marketing campaign, check out Act! Essentials.

5. Update existing properties

Look into your existing offerings and revamp them. For instance, could your company blog use a makeover? Do your online products need fresh images or more detail? Prioritize the accessibility of your existing properties, and make it easy to find your contact information.

Likewise, take some time to clean up or optimize your e-mail campaign or add more creativity to your social media profiles. Keeping everything up-to-date or embracing a fresh, new look could draw potential customers who might otherwise dismiss your business.

6. Launch that new idea

Perhaps you have been considering the launch of a new project or service. On the other hand, you may want to develop a new marketing strategy or experiment with various online advertising campaigns. Look into your company's wish list and implement a few new ideas during the summer months. This should help to bring in new sales and improved business.

The summer months do not have to cause worry in regard to your business's profits and overall growth. Implementing the right success strategies along with careful analysis can help sustain—or improve—your success during these unpredictable times.

Grow Your Social Media Presence: 6 Unconventional, Powerful Resources

It is no secret that having a great social media following is becoming increasingly important for businesses in nearly every industry. And while you can certainly do well with a smaller, niche audience, you should always strive to attract more followers and subscribers. Here are some unconventional resources and tactics you can use to grow your social media presence.

1. Advertise through your apparel

According to a study by Funders and Founders, the average person meets approximately 80,000 people over the course of his or her life. Why not leverage your daily interactions by using your apparel to get your name out there? Print your social media handle on hats, shirts, or other appropriate merchandise as a way to advertise your brand when you are running errands or working out at the gym. In an effort to attract the ideal prospect, you can even add a succinct one-liner that describes your business.

2. Use your vehicle as a billboard

As a small business owner, you can use your car as a moving billboard that calls attention to your social media accounts and your company as a whole. When using this method, make sure that your text is large enough so that other drivers can read your advertisement with ease. As the average driver travels an estimated 13,476 miles per year (according to the Federal Highway Administration), advertising on your car allows you to reach prospects in your local market on a daily basis.

3. Leverage your competition

Your competitors can actually help your business flourish in unexpected ways. As a small business owner, it is valuable for you to interact with your rivals' existing followers by resharing a relevant comment or by engaging them in conversation. Additionally, spying on your competition can help you to improve your own social media strategy. Ask yourself: Is your competitor's following larger than yours? If so, why? Do your competitors receive greater attention by writing a certain type of content, using more multimedia or posting at a specific time of day? These are just some of the many questions that can ultimately help you determine how to grow your social media presence.

4. Use powerful aggregation tools

With the vast amount of social networks available today, keeping up with each platform can be difficult. Growing your social media presence requires consistency, and this is where mass social aggregators come in. Tools like Hootsuite and Sprout Social allow you to manage all your social media profiles from a single dashboard, and even schedule updates at timed intervals. Moreover, their detailed analytics reports give you the power to measure your social performance and make smarter marketing decisions as your audience grows.

5. Contribute to charitable organizations

Working with a charitable organization is one of the most meaningful and rewarding things you can do as a small business owner. As an added bonus, these partnerships are a great way to spread the word about your brand.

Perhaps your company could sponsor a local soup kitchen event or clothing drive. By doing so, you could truly make a difference in your community. Ask the organizations you work with to tag you in relevant social media posts to create community goodwill. At the same time, you could leverage any print or online materials regarding the event to expose potential customers to your company. For example, you could get your logo on the official event website to link to your social media profiles, which could help you connect to a new audience.

6. Take advantage of online venues

While exploring unconventional resources is always ideal, you should not neglect the many smaller, laser-targeted communities that flourish online. Dig deeper into social media by interacting in various niche corners, including Facebook and LinkedIn groups, as well as forums where your audience tends to spend time online. As more people join your social media community, you will have more opportunities to engage with potential customers regarding special deals and promotions.