The web is going social, and as with everything online, it’s
going at a bewildering pace. Google now uses social media as part of its
ranking system and any Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) you now do needs to
take account of that. Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and blogs should all be a
part of your marketing arsenal.
Most businesses – 79% according to Harvard Business Review –
know this and are going social. However, if it’s going to count you need to
know what you’re doing.
Social media can be a drain on time, so how can you turn
that interaction into pounds on your balance sheet or customers through your
door.
1 – Know your audience
No one wants to listen to a person (and in social media
terms, that’s how you should think of your business) spouting about fantastic
they are. You no doubt believe in what you do, that goes without saying (and
should go without saying). You need to think about what your customers are
interested in, what they like – do some research – and focus on that, then they
will talk back to you.
2 – An exercise in blogging
A blog is a great way to speak to your clients; you can link
it to your social profiles automatically. Toolkit can get you started with a
great value and great looking blog that links to your website and sends
customers there.
As an exercise, design what you say around the top 10
queries that come in from existing clients and possible prospects. Take around
400 words – that’s a good length for a blog – to answer each of these questions
in turn.
3 – The CTA
Marketing is full of confusing jargon and buzzwords for
essentially simple concepts. One of the most important is the CTA, the call to
action. It just means giving potential customers the opportunity to come and
spend with you – make it an attractive offer, a discount or a giveaway,
something useful, use your expertise. In return, you pick up their details and
a browser becomes a lead.
Feedback is important in marketing so that you know what
works. To do this, you need to get your web designers to put code that tracks
where visitors arrive at your site from. That way you can continue to do what
works and leave what doesn’t behind you.
Toolkit has a number of great social media services for
small businesses. We can produce a blog design for you that reflects the
branding of your main site – consistency and clarity are important – and will
have customers clicking on your sales pages in no time. Take a look at our
website to find out more or just call our team on 02380 633 644 to
find out how we can help.