Almost two decades into the 21st century, business has rapidly shifted from traditional to online, thanks to the invention of the world wide web which opened up a whole new world of possibilities for commerce. Today, almost every individual owns a smartphone and has access to a global network of merchants and online e-commerce sites.
As more and more entrepreneurs take advantage and reap gain from this shift, it has gradually become imperative for any businessman today – whether you are starting up or seasoned in the industry – to cultivate your online presence if you want to stay ahead of the competition. And this is the role social media plays a big part in.
Social media for your business
In the digital space, it doesn’t matter how big your office is. Online, it’s a battle of cunning and creativity – a theatric show that prompts you to learn about who your target market is and what their wants are. It’s all about strategy. And each social media platform requires different turns and twists to give you the best results.
If you don’t know it yet, it’s possible to set up shop in Facebook. The shopping tab allows you to set up the store where buyers can easily view your products and purchase with one simple click. The buy button leads buyers to a page where they will be asked to input their contact as well as shipping and payment information. Shipping updates are also available via Facebook Messenger.
If you want to increase your product exposure and lure buyers to your page or website, you can take advantage of the very effective, audience-targeting Facebook ad which, using sophisticated algorithm, can help you reach out to your market based on age, gender, interests, and online browsing behaviors. The secret to acing in Facebook ads is to keep them as engaging as possible even with a quick glance. Use powerful visuals and good copy to catch your viewer’s attention.
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Users love visuals and in social media, no other platform has been more successful at it than Facebook-owned Instagram. A photo-sharing application, it is one of businessmen’s preferred soapboxes to promote their brands and products. And it’s more than just exposure. Instagram has also been updated to lead users to a business’s website or online shops via a call-to-action button. They also offer user-targeted ads.
For an even wider user exposure, many online retailers and businesses have promoted via Instagram stories which are short video clips that appear on the user’s feed. These promotions may include exclusive deals announcements, special offers, or even your simple day at the office. The main purpose is to familiarize your audience with your brand.
Some Instagram retailers outsource marketing via sponsored posts where they contact users with thousands of followers to make a post featuring their products. It’s a clever way to gain new customers.
The platform for the tricky and the witty, Twitter encourages its users to simplify their message within a 140-character limit. And it pays off! With viewer’s short attention span, a cheeky punchline leading to your new shop deals can just as easily rouse customer curiosity just as a photo commands attention.
Ensure regular posting and be consistent with your style. Keep up with the current trends and make smart statements that are catchy.
Just like Facebook and Instagram, Twitter uses algorithm-driven audience targeting so you have a better reach at your target consumers. Ads are also offered for businesses, with an analytics tool that helps the entrepreneur track their marketing success on the platform.
YouTube
Video is the new platform of promotion. It delivers what a photo cannot. But a good video entails good planning and much of the strategizing goes to delivery. Make promotional videos as short as possible, be direct to the point, and most importantly, invest in resolution. Good quality videos sell. And if your goal is exposure, YouTube also has an ad format specially designed for retailers. You can set up your ads via GoogleAdWords.
When the talk shifts to business, you need to be where your customers are. Gain a sure footing in your digital path. Set up your own successful social media personas today.
