Style Magazine - KISS | Keep it Social, Sugar!
So, why be “Social” in Business?
We’ve become accustomed to the idea that all businesses should be on social media in some form or another. With the ever-expanding array of these platforms, it has become imperative for businesses to engage across multiple channels.
Let's delve into some common questions about social media and business this month.
What’s the benefit of being on social media?
With over 78.3% of Australians active on social media, leveraging these platforms effectively is essential for brand building and sales conversion. Social media can be a great tool for people to get to know your business, your products/services, your values and it can be one of the most cost-effective ways to build your brand and position you as an expert in your field.
For our social media, we love to post about our clients, the work we do and how we solve our clients’ problems. We also include things like behind the scenes, some funny posts (did you catch the photo of our dog Bennie getting cuddles at work or the pink Tesla post?) as well as tips and educational pieces to help our followers with their social media.
Our main goal with our social media is to remain top of mind, build our brand and educate and entertain our audience.
What are the basics of social media when it comes to my business?
Start by identifying which social media platforms are suitable for your business. Ensure your profiles are complete with essential information like logo, address, phone number, website, maintaining consistency across platforms.
Next, think about your brand’s voice and its general style in the market. Is it playful? Or is it serious? Is there an opportunity to be both?
Our brand is fun and quirky and therefore we want to showcase this and stay true to this in our social media. We use our brand colours consistently so that we are easily identifiable when scrolling.
Quality images and videos are crucial for making a lasting impression and influencing purchasing decisions. Invest in high-quality visual content to stand out from competitors.
Learn from Others
We draw inspiration from both national and international brands, learning from their successes and failures. This is an easy strategy you can employ in your business.
Consistency is key - like McDonald's iconic "golden arches", ensure your logo and brand colours are recognisable across all platforms. Establishing this association strengthens your brand identity within your industry and location.
Understanding your audience & the type of content they want to consume
Understanding your target audiences is crucial. It's not just about knowing who they are but also which social media platforms they use and when. Tailoring content to fit each platform ensures better engagement rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
For instance, LinkedIn leans towards formality and business-oriented content, while Facebook and Instagram thrive on a more casual and social atmosphere. Adapting content to suit each platform optimises reach and engagement with your target audience.
Navigating this can be challenging for agencies as some clients may prefer certain content styles that don't resonate with their audience. However, it's essential to prioritise audience preferences over personal preferences.
Leverage platform tools to understand your audience's habits and optimise posting times for maximum engagement.
Finally...
Maintain a social presence by focusing on engagement rather than constant selling. Interact with your audience by responding to comments and fostering conversation. Collaborate with like-minded businesses to expand your reach, such as offering joint promotions. Consistency in content and posting schedules is key to building a strong online presence.
Need help with social media management for business? Book a free 45-minute consultation with the best business coach in Toowoomba.
First published in Style magazine, June 2024:
https://issuu.com/armcustompublishing/docs/style_june_2024/42
