So many business owners forget about the “social” part of social media. A huge component of what makes social media work for you is actually being social. It’s simply not enough to create your personal profile and business page and then disappear, waiting for people to find you and buy from you.

While that sounds like a lovely idea, it just doesn’t work because marketing is about building relationships. And what do good, strong relationships have in common? Communication and interaction between the two parties. You sitting back and waiting for others to do the work is quite the opposite of communicating and interacting.

Plan Daily Posts

Consistency is key to growing a social media audience and that means daily posts on your personal profile, business page, and in your prospect group if you have one. These posts should all be written differently to avoid getting labeled by Facebook as a “spammer” but they can certainly have the same theme or message.

Think About Your Target Market

Who is your ideal client? What time do they visit Facebook, during the day or evening? Do they belong to any particular groups? Think about that special client avatar – your ideal client – and plan your postings accordingly. What does she really need help with? Do you have advice that can help her? Understanding her needs will aid you in reaching her directly.

Leave Comments to Start a Conversation

Instead of just “liking” a post on someone’s page, try leaving a comment or asking a question to start a conversation. This can occur in a group, page, or personal profile. Be authentic when choosing your words and if a conversation ensues, consider sending a Friend Request.

Pay Attention to Who Leaves Comments and Likes Your Posts

When someone leaves a comment or likes one of your posts, click into their personal profile and determine if this person is a part of your target audience. If so, consider sending a Friend Request or following them.

Share Some Free Advice

This is especially true in groups when other members ask a question or need help solving a problem. If you know the answer, give it freely instead of adding a link to your product (check the group rules first). You don’t’ have to give away all your trade secrets but this is a simple way to show others in the group that you know what you’re talking about and you care about helping others.

Plan an Online Event and Encourage Others to Share with a Friend

Video is HOT when it comes to reaching your audience and developing a relationship quickly so take advantage of using Facebook Live. Plan out what you want to talk about (consider an overview of your business; or a sneak peek at your book or signature class; or the Top 10 reasons why you need a coach). Create some buzz and let your followers know the day and time of the Live event and encourage them to share the day/time with their friends. In this scenario, your video should offer useful tips or information for your target market. If they like what they hear and they are attracted to your style of presenting, they will search quickly become followers.

Be creative when it comes to finding new followers on Facebook and remember to nurture the relationship with these new friends.

Christine Hull, 647-273-1057