Whether you’re just starting out, or you’ve been using social media for business a while already, there is one universal truth: you want to make more money.
Everyone wants to make more money!
Wanting to make more money is really the only reason anyone uses social media for business. Social media is the new phonebook. If you aren’t present, you don’t exist. It’s also where people make meaningful connections, look for amusement, and search for businesses, products, and services. If you like money, you want to be there.
But how can you be sure your efforts will be worth it? By answering the 5 questions below before you even start.
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Do you know your place?
Knowing where you fit into the marketplace is a big deal. It helps you peg your ideal client and allocate your advertising efforts based on where your audience is.If you want to make more money, knowing where your money comes from is the most important part. Decide who your audience is and the place you fill in the marketplace before you start your social media push so you can set the tone for the next 4 steps.
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Do you know why your brand is better?
Persuading people that your brand is more credible than the next guy’s is not a matter of budget. It’s a matter of proving it.It might be as simple as being ethical, charitable, fair trade, or green. It might be that you’re just more available or approachable and use less jargon. Decide what gives you a leg up on your competition and cash in on it by being consistent about it in your social media messaging.
Your competition could even have the better product, but if you give people a good enough emotional reason to prefer your brand, they will.
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Do you know why your products or services are desirable?
Before you start pushing your product or service, it’s important to ask yourself these 2 questions:- What problem does it solve?
- How will this make life better for your customer?
Answering these two questions gives you an angle, aka a Unique Selling Proposition (USP):
“Tired of X? Buy Y!” or “Tired of doing X? Eliminate the need for it with Y!”
Think of it as a formula to make more money. Speaking to the root of someone’s desire for your offerings is what will make your sales soar. Make sure you have your pitch down so if anyone asks, you can demonstrate your value in 30 seconds or less. Write it down to afford yourself a bit more clarity.
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Do you have anyone you can pair up with?
Before you go off on your social media adventure, ask yourself if there is anyone you might be able to establish a profitable partnership with.- Does a friend who happens to manage Facebook ads in his day job owe you a favour?
- Do you have any clients that might agree to like and share your posts in exchange for free publicity, in-kind sponsorship, or referrals?
- Do you know anyone that would let you speak at their conference or company on your area of expertise?
Gently approach people who might benefit from partnering with you too, and both of you might be able to make more money by teaming up.
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Do you have a plan for consistency?
Now that you’re equipped with the basics of your social media pitch, you’ll want to put a little plan in place to make sure you can keep the audience you win over.Set aside 15 minutes a day to check your social media accounts. Social media is *drum roll* social by nature, so interacting with your audience each business day is a must. It doesn’t have to be complicated. Like comments, respond to their questions, follow other businesses back.
Just being present and consistent in your messaging and interactions will bring in the bucks and cultivate your ideal audience. Don’t give up, don’t obsess. Just keep on keeping on at 15 minutes each day and you’ll be a social media success in no time.
What to read next: Benefits of an Action Plan
Success always
Deborah x
