Social media is more than setting up a blog, getting a twitter account and Facebook Fan Page and expecting customers to come rolling in and engaging with you. If you build it, they will NOT come. Opening up your social media shop on the internet can be a lot like opening up a real business.
Starting a Social Media Presence is Similar to Opening a Business
Imagine opening up a cheese shop. You have all your cheese, wine, crackers etc. and then you sit and wait for customers. Now compare that to a person across the street with an identical business but she has a huge sign out in front, is outside holding a platter of cheese, and is talking to people as they walk by about the weather, their kids, their dogs, etc. She is giving away two very valuable things that WILL bring clients in - free samples, and friendship.
Social media might feel drafty and bare compared to a warm handshake and a hello - but it isn't. It is a chance to create online friendship by giving free and valuable interaction.
Here are some tips and tricks on how to build your social media presence and increase customer loyalty and engagement.
Ask for Engagement through Questions and Polls
Facebook makes this so simple. In every profile social media managers are able to create a poll. This is an excellent way of gauging what type of media your customers like. Do you get more comments on a simple post than interaction with a poll or vice versa? After putting out a nice mix of status updates and polls, you will get a sense for what your readers like to see. Once you find what they like, keep giving it to them. However, never stop experimenting and trying new things.
"Retweet" and Acknowledge Every New Follower on Twitter for One Day
If you get a lot of new followers, tell them that you appreciate them by "retweeting" or "favoriteing" some of their tweets. It does a lot for them as far as their Klout score and TweetReach and they will be quick to return the favor. Remember to be sincere about your retweet's and only retweet posts that are beneficial for your reader base as well. Sincere followers become engaged readers and paying customers.
Pick a Reader of the Week from a Popular Blog Post
Use your comments section on blog posts as a social media catalyst. Every time a person comments on one of your posts they are reaching out to you to offer valuable advice about your post and your brand. People are busy, and blog readers are notorious scanners. By taking the time out of their day to comment on your blog means they really think you are special.
If you have a popular post with many comments, choose someone to acknowledge as the "Reader of the Week." Send out a tweet, Facebook status update, or mini blog post about the person thanking them for their comment and dedication to your blog and brand.
To be completely random about who you choose, go to Random.org. There you enter how many people commented then click "generate." A random number between 1 and your total number of commenters were be generated and that is your lucky "Reader of the Week."
Social Media is more than a cold Facebook status update, a random tweet, or gracious comment on a blog post. It is about making real connections with real people. Be sincere, mix things up, and really strive to understand what your customers need and want from you.
Carmen Sofia Grant - Carmen is a social media marketer, freelance writer, and blogger. Her favorite blogs are MomCrunch and Social Media Examiner.com
