As a Social Media Strategist for businesses in Fairfield County and beyond, I hear a lot of misperceptions and truths about social media. Some say it is a lead generator for sales. Others say it is a place to pitch products and services. Another group says it is the new age marketing plan or the magic pill to save a business. While there is a bit of truth to each of these, there is a lot of misperception that I would like to clear up for you.
It’s Called Social Media Not Sales Media: The first – and what I think is most important – part of social media is that it is not sales media. It is not a place to tell people to buy your products or services. It is a place to show people your knowledge. Social media is a place to meet people who may become your customers and clients because they like what you are saying.
What Do You Say on Social Media? No matter the social media platform (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, etc.) posts should be 20% about your business and 80% tips, news and information related to your industry. Direct sales pitches should be infrequent. The reason? You are building relationships and creating trust. Once those relationships are built your followers will buy from you or ask about your products.
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Social Media is Part of a Marketing Plan: Business owners are frequently under the impression that a marketing plan is a social media plan. This could not be further from the truth. Social media is part of a larger marketing strategy and is one of the ways to reach your target audience. You still need to be networking and bringing your business to the marketplace in whatever ways work for your business.
The Magic Pill: In the same light as social media being part of a marketing plan is the fact that social media is not a magic pill. People will not love your product because you have a presence on Facebook or Twitter or any of the other social media platforms. It will not save your sinking ship or breathe life into a new product or service.
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Social media brings your product or service to a larger audience than would otherwise be available through traditional marketing. It establishes you as the expert in your field when you share tips and information. Social media increases brand awareness and creates community.
If you still have questions or are interested in learning more about how we create social media fires, please contact us through our Fire Brand Social Media website.
