Are you using proper etiquette on social media?
Social media networks are revolutionizing the way business owners communicate with customers. In a previous blog post, we discussed how to write great social media updates. This blog post goes further than that to discuss the etiquette of communicating with customers on your social media platforms. Business owners should follow these simple etiquette tips when interacting with customers.
- Listen and Respond
When a customer posts on your Facebook, Twitter or G+ page, you should be sure to respond to their post. Their posts are an opportunity for you as a business owner to find out what people think of your business. It is very important to respond to these posts personally. Do not spam your customers with pre-determined responses; show how much you value them by responding directly to their posts. Social Media Today recommends, “Say something new, say something different, be opinionated, share content that inspires you, infuriates you, makes you laugh and you will find that many people out there will respond with their opinions and open up conversations with you.”
- Build Relationships
The best way to build relationships with your customers is introduce yourself and build relationships. It’s perfectly acceptable to add someone who you don’t know personally on your social media platforms, just be sure to send them a message informing them of why you’re adding them. Blogger Laura Maas recommends this because “not only will you have a better chance of getting your friend request accepted, you’ll start building a relationship. For LinkedIn users: the generic request note doesn’t count—personalization is imperative to starting off on the right foot.” Once you’ve made these introductions, it will be easier to ask your followers for favors, like taking a look at your blog or following your business’ page.
- Don’t Sell
Social media is different from many other web platforms because people use it to find interesting content and entertainment. If your company’s social media page does nothing but sell, it will likely turn people away. “Social media networks are not a direct sales tool,” according to Social Media Today. “Social networks are a place where you can develop a community of people who are interested in your brand and what it has to say. Not everyone in the community will spend money with your business and that is ok. Because if they like what you say and they share it with other people then more and more people will become aware of your brand and grow to like you.”
Navigating the new world of social media for business can be very difficult, but if you follow these tips, you have a better chance of success. If you have questions or need help with social media management, we can help. Just contact Three Girls Media today.
Special Offer: Three Girls Media & Marketing Inc. loves working with small and emerging companies to raise their brand awareness and name recognition. We offer a complimentary 30-minute phone consultation and can discuss your specific brand marketing needs. Email info@ThreeGirlsMedia.com to make your appointment today.
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