Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to be on every single digital platform to be maximising your online exposure opportunities. Less is more and in this instance, that means you should choose your platforms and focus on them one by one.
Between Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Google, Pinterest, your website and the rest it can get overwhelming trying to work out where your business should appear to best reach existing and new audiences.
Once you have identified who your ideal target audience is you will be able to determine where they live online.
For example, if you own a cafe you would want to have a strong presence on Google, complete with reviews and an Instagram that is filled with photos. However, if you were promoting a service you might find Facebook is far more beneficially for your sales funnel while Instagram might be irrelevant.
Realistically if you have a strong Google presence, an attractive website and either Facebook or Instagram (depending on what suits you most) you’re well on your way to a solid online footprint.
The digital platforms you use will give you the opportunity to attract new business and maintain existing relationships with your customers before and after a transaction is completed.
And way you use these digital platforms can dictate just how much you stand out in the crowded cluttered world of online.
Google My Business
Without a Google presence, your business may as well be invisible.
An account with Google My Business is absolutely vital if you want to appear in Google search results, look like a credible business and give your customers a controlled snapshot of what you do, where you are and how to reach you.
Search results, maps, reviews, booking details and photos all appear through Google My Business. Not only will you be easier to find you will also boost your search engine ranking and direct more traffic to your website.
Let the People Speak
Nothing makes people say ‘lets book right now’ faster than a bunch of good reviews. Putting your business on the internet means that you are opening your service, product and brand up to public opinions, which sounds scary, but is actually a massive opportunity to let other people talk about how great you are.
There are many ways to get reviews, and many platforms to get those reviews on. From reviews on Google to Tripadvisor or Yelp, to Facebook and even simple Instagram comments- having real people give real (positive) feedback for your business is a sure-fire way to attract more people.
Word of mouth and recommendations are the most trustworthy forms of marketing and online reviews give your brand the chance to be recommended by strangers to strangers.
Aesthetic and Personalised Instagram Feed
Forget generic quote reposts or random photos of the sky- your business Instagram is an opportunity to attract and engage possible customers. Your feed should tell the story of your brand, highlight the key features of your products and demonstrate the benefits of choosing you.
If you’re in hospitality, showcase your food and the atmosphere of your eatery. If you are a clothing brand celebrate your customers with sharing customer-generated content and replying back to comments and direct messages.
Share your brand’s personality through Instagram and connect with those who connect with you. Social media management is so much more than just posting the right marketing collateral.
Informative and Engaging Facebook Posts
While Instagram provides an aesthetic and easy to digest snapshot of your brand, your Facebook page is an opportunity to inspire meaningful conversations and encourage real engagement with your customers.
Cross-promote between Facebook and Instagram, share blogs, post videos, links and photos, talk about your latest drops and invite your followers to leave reviews and tag their friends.
Depending on your needs as a brand you can have both platforms or only one. As long as the tone between the two platforms is consistent and engaging, you’ll communicate with your consumers in a personalised way that builds trust and awareness in your new, old and emerging relationships.
Once your digital presence is down pat, it is time to move from organic engagements and discoveries to paid, giving you the chance to reach hundreds if not thousands of new customers a day. Paid social media and online marketing may include Google Ads, Search Engine Optimisation services, boosted Facebook posts and sponsored Instagram content.
The ability to choose your audiences and proactively find new customers online is strengthened with a trustworthy, professional and engaging online presence.
At Red Herring Digital we want to help you make the most of your social media marketing. For social media management, website development, Google Ads and everything digital contact us today.
