I build my business almost entirely online. Which means I don't spend a lot of time going to "networking" events. I don't make cold calls. I don't do three-way calls, or "opportunity" calls. I have no need. I generate plenty of business without all that.
Think about it. You can use social media to sell your products or services, either directly or by sending people to your website or email list. You can use FB groups and your email list to create a community of people who love you and will become raving fans. You can use it to grow brand awareness. And you can reach people anywhere, because...HEY, IT'S THE INTERNET!
How can YOU use social media to build YOUR business? Here are some tips:
1. Find your market. This is the most important step in building your online message. It can also be the hardest. Most of us, especially network marketers, have been taught to think of everyone as our market. That is simply not true. You need to be as focused as possible. For example, you might think that my market is anyone who wants to build their business with social media. But it's not. My target market looks more like this:
"Small and home business owners, age 50+, who want to use social media marketing and the internet to help build their businesses but struggle with the technology and understanding attraction marketing concepts."
Does that mean if a 40-year old asks for my help, I'm going to say no? Of course not! But when I'm marketing, I target my my copy and my images to that specific market. And I pick up a lot of "overflow" because guess what! 50-year-olds aren't the only ones who struggle with technology. And a LOT of people don't understand attraction marketing.
2. Go where your market is. You want to get your message in front of the people most likely to relate to it and take action. That means you have to be on the platforms your folks are on. Yes, everybody immediately thinks of Facebook. But there's also Twitter. Instagram. LinkedIn. Pinterest. YouTube. And now TikTok. Do your research and find out where your people are. For example, I don't use LinkedIn much. Most of those people are either professionals with firms or agencies that do their marketing for them. Or they understand things well enough that I am not their person. But I am on TikTok. (Why? Isn't that for like 12-year olds?) I hear you. But again...guess what. There are a lot of more "mature" folks there too. And the fact that they are there shows me they already understand some basic marketing concepts and may be open to learning to do it more effectively.
3. Build your brand.
People often confuse brands with things like logos, slogans, or other recognizable marks, which are marketing tools that help promote goods and services. But it's so much more than that. It's who you are. It's who you serve. It's what you believe in and value. It's how you serve your market. It's your vision and your mission. It's what makes you different from everyone else out there promoting the same products or services. It's knowing why people should trust and follow and ultimately do business with you.
Once you have all that figured out, you can create a logo, or slogan, or tag line that helps get that message out to your audience.
4. Create content that helps your audience get to know, like, and trust you. Everything you post should have a purpose...either building that audience, engaging with your audience, or selling to your audience. Think of building an audience that trusts you by share valuable info like tutorials, tips, how-tos, or training.
Help them get to know and like you by sharing your life with them...behind-the-scenes look at your workspace or office, family photos, pet photos, your story of how and why you started your business.
Inspire and motivate them by sharing inspirational and motivational quotes. People love them. And don't forget to share the story of your results in business or using your products. If you sell weight loss, share the story of your own weight-loss journey. Cosmetics or jewelry...share the story of how much more confident you feel when you know you look your best. Trying to recruit? Share the story of how your business has impacted you financially.
5. Yes, you can sell on social media...if you do it the right way. First remember the 80/20 rule. 80% of your content should be value. Only 20% of it should be promoting your business.
Use your social media content to connect with people. Don't pitch them! Just talk to them. Once you start interacting with them, you will be surprised at how easy it is to work what you do into the conversation. If they don't seem interested in your offer right now, get them on your list or in your group. Just because they say no today, doesn't mean things won't change tomorrow. Once they are on your list, you can market to them 365 days a year.
Make sure all your promotional content has a call-to-action (CTA). I know it's sounds strange, but people really do need to be told what to do. So make sure you tell them whatever it is you want them to do to move to the next step.
I know. This seems like a lot. But I promise you it works. Take it one step at a time. Make sure you understand each step before you move to the next. For example, it's hard to know where to look for your audience if you aren't sure who they are.
And if you want to be part of an amazing group of supportive, encouraging, helpful, entrepreneurs who are growing their business just like you, join our Facebook group!
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