Why should brick and mortar storefronts care about social media management? It’s 2023, it’s not enough to have a good product anymore. With the world at our fingertips, the younger generation needs a good reason to leave their houses and come into your store. Of course, you excel at what you do, your products are curated perfectly for your ideal clients, and your staff goes above and beyond for all who come into your store. But none of that matters when your target audience would rather just get something delivered to their doorstep.
Not only do you sell a good product, you sell an experience. Whether it’s the visual appeal of your store or the carefully crafted menu, there’s a reason your regulars keep coming back. You have a vibe, one you have meticulously created over the years. People just don’t know about it. Awareness is the first step of the customers buying experience. Social media is a way to share the experience you sell before your future clients ever walk through your doors.
Social media is the best free advertising tool you have. But to leverage it effectively, you have to know where to go and what to say to make the right people feel drawn to knowing more about you and your company. Here are the 5 basics of social media that all small business owners should keep in mind while trying to grow their online presence.
01. Pick the Right Social Media Platforms.
Go where your customers spend the majority of their time. If your target market is a little older and spends more time sharing memes on Facebook, join them there. If your customers tend to be younger and into trends, Instagram and TikTok are the places for you. Different platforms cater to different forms of content, so think about what kind of posts best fit your brand’s identity and pick the platforms best suited for that.
02. Consistency is Key.
The algorithms favor those who post consistently. Staying relevant gets your content in front of more eyes more often. Regular updates keep your brand on your audiences’ radar. It also shows your followers that you’re reliable and trustworthy. Pick 3 days a week to post across your platforms and stick to that schedule.
03. Be Authentic.
Your brand already has a voice. Use that voice to communicate and keep in touch with your customers online. Authenticity will attract more of your target audience. And your unique personality will differentiate you from other brands. Being real will help you form more meaningful relationships with your followers and turn them into long term customers. Sure, posting nice pictures of your products will do, but telling your followers the story behind them will set you ahead of the rest.
04. Create a FOMO Culture.
Fear of missing out- it’s why limited editions and exclusive offers work so well. Communicate to your audiences why the should come visit you sooner, rather than later. Most social media posts will be seen within 48 hours of you posting it. So give your viewers a reason to come in today.
05. Don’t Over-Think It.
Social media doesn’t have to be complicated! You don’t have to follow every trend or be an expert photographer to make good, valuable content. Being consistent and authentic will take you a long way. If you’re still having trouble making an impact online, consider hiring a social media manager to help show you the ropes or take it off your plate completely.
I hope these tips will help you grow your online presence and in-person business! Social media management doesn’t have to be hard!
