How To Use Social Media To Grow Your Customer Base

When you own a small business, you may not have a huge budget set aside for advertising. However, even small businesses need to get the word out about their product. That's where social media comes in. Using social media not only boosts your sales, it can put you miles ahead of the competition if you do it right. Here are eight ways to make social media work for you and increase your customer base.

Bond With Your Customers

Using social media marketing for small business is an excellent opportunity to bond with your customers. When you use such mediums as Facebook and Instagram, you literally put a face to the name. When a customer is looking for a service like yours, they'll find your posts and virtually "get to know you". This humanizes you and your business and makes you stand out from the competition, especially if they only provide a name and number.

Use Plenty of Videos

People find videos very engaging, so using social media that includes videos will capture your client's interest. This gives them the opportunity to hear your voice and familiarize themselves with your business. Plus, you'll provide them with valuable information. With videos, you can make them as funny or serious as you like, as long as you're providing helpful advice. Be sure to create video content often enough to keep viewers interested.

Have a Website

With all the different types of social media, is it even worth it to have a website? Absolutely! A standalone website is a great home base for people to find you when they do an online search. Your website welcomes them and gives them details they need quickly, such as your physical address, phone number and email. From your website, you can post links to all your social media. You can also use it to publish blog posts related to your business.

Build an Online Store

Depending on your type of company, try supplementing your sales by opening an online store. Shopping online is extremely convenient and will expand your sales to an audience around the globe. Your e-commerce site will be open 24-7, creating passive income. In other words, you'll make money while you sleep! Online stores aren't difficult to set up and can be added to your website by you or a web developer. Then, promote your store on all your other social media outlets.

Enlist the Help of Testimonials

One of the most effective ways to use social media is by publishing a post or video with a client testimonial. A testimonial is a trustworthy client's positive review of your business. You can feature someone that's well-known in your community, or one of your best customers. These "influencers" can really create confidence around your business and garner the trust of new clients.

Schedule Posts Often

In order to use social media to your greatest benefit, you must post often. While you don't need to post every day, 2-3 times per week can make a positive impression. Luckily, with most social media sites, you can schedule posts and pictures to show up ahead of time. This is extremely helpful especially during busy times like the holidays. Keep your posts current and change them along with the seasons.

Respond to Comments

Many types of social media allow customers to comment on your business. Hopefully most are positive, but it's important to respond whether their review is good or bad. If someone has a complaint, respond to them without attacking and find out if you can rectify the situation. Customers appreciate it when you respond to them directly and your willingness to work with them demonstrates your dependability for all to see.

Cross-Promote

If you're using several different social media outlets for your business, don't forget to cross-promote! For example, on your Facebook page, have a tab or a widget to direct people to your Instagram feed. Cross-promoting isn't the same thing as cross-posting. Avoid putting the exact same posts and pictures on all of your social media, but by all means, promote something that's happening on another page such as a contest or giveaway.

Push the Limit

Social media marketing is one of the best tools you can use to promote your business, especially if it's a small one. By using videos, pictures and opening an e-commerce store, there's no limit to how far you could take your business. When you bond with your customers on a personal level, and provide informational and entertaining posts, you'll earn repeat business and generate brand new leads.