With a recent study by Cone Communications having stated that 93% of customers expect businesses to be on social media, those that are not may be missing out on a great way to engage with people interested in their wares.
Other than being able to interact directly with possible clients and enhancing their marketing reach, such as by fielding questions and providing attractive content on news feeds, the firms can also use social platforms to drive sales. However, this does take some tact, which the following may help you with:
Direct traffic
Having customers first stumble across your company on social media is a great way to get them interested in what you have to offer. Once this has been achieved, it is then time to direct them further down the tunnel towards a possible transaction.
However, the important thing to remember is that you should not be bombarding followers with overt sales messages, as this can be off-putting. A simple link on your profile back to your website is a great start, along with the occasional post that first and foremost should be engaging, but also happens to contain a worthwhile link for the customer.
Look at the big picture
It is important to remember that analytics drive sales, but luckily there is a lot of software out there that is tailor made for social media. These packages can also make it easier for you to join conversations about certain topics and perform reputation management, as you can simply search key phrases.
If you come across any criticism of your service, it is vital that you handle it professionally. While it may seem best to ignore it, it has been found that 42% of people who complain expect a response on social media within the hour. As such, dealing with criticism in a friendly, calm way can show that you care about your customers.
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