Social Media Myths & Facts Part 1
If you’re curious about how to manage your business online with social media but are feeling a little overwhelmed with what the experts say (because let’s face it, there’s a lot of so-called experts out there), this is the read for you!
Myth #1 You need a large following to be successful marketing online. FALSE
If you would have asked us this question a couple of years ago we may have had a different answer for you. Fortunately for today’s small businesses, Instagram and Facebook have really pushed for a more organic way for you to reach the desired audiences. Don’t get us wrong, a large following has the potential to attract more customers. It’s all based on the algorithms and how well engaged your audience is. However, you don’t necessarily need to start out with a large follower number in order to be successful. Here are a few ways that you can showcase your products and services while reaching a larger audience pool without that huge follower count so many people strive for.
1. Use the hashtag and location services on your Instagram business account. Where is your business? Who are you reaching out to? What day is it? Why should people stop scrolling and read your caption? All of these
things are important questions to ask yourself when posting to social media. Use the hashtags that are relevant to your business and have a lower follower count.
For example, a hashtag with a following of 1.5 million might seem like a really sexy number, but in reality, your post has to outperform 70% of those posts in order to be seen. A pool of under 250k- 500k followers is much more likely to have an effect on how well your post does and who will be attracted to your profile. Even better would be a pool of 80-100k.
The same concept can be applied to tagging your location. Where are your buyers? Are they local? Who in your community needs to see your business? Tagging your location (or a location) will target that area and get your product or services in front of the people that are actually there. Insider tip: Make sure to tag your location in Instagram Stories!
2. Post content consistently. We see this all the time with small businesses, “Well I have a Facebook page - that’s enough right?” WRONG. Facebook has really put the pressure on businesses to define themselves on social media. The days of Yellow Page listings are gone as most people Google search or Facebook search for what they are looking for. Having your business listed on Facebook now is essentially the same thing as taking out a Yellow Page ad. Sure it’s nice to know you’re there and exist, but what does it tell me about your business? Your Facebook page should be where your business shines. Consumers will read the reviews, scroll through your photos, read your bio, and check for any updates long before they will give you a call. Posting content consistently doesn’t mean you have to post every day as long you are keeping your customers updated with any changes, news, or content related to your business - even posting once a week can be a success.
3. Answer your social media messages! This one is probably the biggest head-scratchers I have as a social media manager. When I submit a question via comment, messenger, or direct message - but it’s completely ignored ... the first thing I think is, well what kind of service am I going to get if they are unresponsive to my message? A company that makes the effort to interact with its customers through comments and messaging tells me that the business is interested in me and responsive to my needs. When you directly respond to customer queries you automatically boost your engagement which according to Facebook and IG algorithms, boosts your posts into the more likely to be seen category. See? It’s a win-win. In the same avenue, don’t shy away from the possibility of negative comments and reviews. While this is unfortunate, it’s also the nature of business. By responding to negative comments in a way that is satisfactory to the client and to your business, you are showing that you genuinely care about feedback. Most consumers will appreciate the open-book approach.
There you have it! Three simple ways to begin marketing your business and/or services online without needing a huge following. This formula has proven to be successful for ourselves and our clients. It’s also the base formula for how to begin growing your online presence so that over time, your follower count will increase.
Stay tuned for our next blog where we will talk about Facebook advertising and whether or not it’s really necessary. You might be surprised at what we have to say!
If you have any questions regarding social media management, content creation, or any of our other services - just shoot us an email at info@tabbedcreative.com or follow us on Social Media!
