Have you left the “social” out of social media marketing? It’s easy to use social channels as a megaphone to spread the word about a brand, but megaphone marketing doesn’t have much ring to it and delivers very few results. Social works when a brand actively grows a dedicated, interested, and excited community. It takes effort though, and posting great content is only the beginning. Here are a few simple tips to help turn your followers into tribe members.
1) It’s not about you, it’s about your followers. People follow a brand because they are interested in it—in its value to them. There’s a lot of noise on social media; if your content doesn’t add value to their lives, followers will be gone. Fast. When you are writing social copy or a blog post, think about how you can serve your readers/followers. Just that simple mind-shift could make all the difference.
2) Identify and engage your advocates. Every brand has their super fans. These are the people who regularly share and engage with content, ask questions, and participate. These people are the core of your tribe. Engage with them. Follow them. Share their content when appropriate. It’s important to make your advocates feel special and appreciated. In turn, they will spread the word about your brand far and wide.
3) Surprise and delight followers. Everyone wants to feel appreciated. Find ways to surprise followers. It can be as simple as sending a funny GIF to a fan who’s having a tough day, or sending a surprise gift to a follower who’s gone above and beyond to support your brand. Sponsor contests to reward your engaged followers. Your imagination is the only limit. Every time you give back to your community, you’ll develop greater loyalty and you might make some true friends.
4) Give your followers a voice. Everyone likes to feel part of something and have their contribution valued. Letting your fans/followers respond to poll questions, submit photos, and otherwise share in your channels helps create a real sense of belonging. Sharing user-generated content and re-tweeting can build relationships and loyalty.
When you nurture a community, it becomes healthier and it grows more quickly, similar to a house plant. A little attention can go a long way.
What are you going to do today to connect with your social community in a deeper way?
Image source: kulyk / 123RF Stock Photo
Christy Kirk, Vice President of Client Services, is a social media strategist, writer, and former television journalist, who’s done everything from launch a news department to create social content and strategy for Fortune 500 companies and brands including Pampers Diapers, Pantene, Luvs Diapers and Carlson Rezidor Hotels. Now, Christy manages marketing projects for Weaving Influence, with an emphasis on social media marketing. She is also a wife and mother of three children, one dog, and one cat. She loves reading, baking, running, hiking and exploring new places.