There’s no doubt that the future is social. This year, there’s a total of 3.196 billion global active social media users. And as new tools and platforms hop into the space, this number will only grow. Your marketing strategy now depends on social media to keep your brand competitive.
As a business, you might have a Facebook page, a Twitter account or an Instagram feed. Although this is a great start, it isn’t enough for you to just exist. The only way to increase your brand’s awareness is through engagement.
Why Is Social Media Engagement Such a Big Deal?
When it comes to engagement, the term goes both ways. You want to engage with your audience and your audience should be engaging with you. This engagement has many benefits including:
- Larger audience: Obviously, engagement creates a larger following over time, which places more eyes on your content and increases your chance of conversion.
- Increased trust: If you’re not actively engaging on social media, does your brand actually exist? It sounds dramatic, but it’s true. Engagement builds trust with your audience.
- Social proof: Followers and likes from others help prospective customers believe in the “realness” of your brand. The amount of the engagement garnered on your social media accounts impacts the confidence readers have in you, building your social proof.
- Free marketing: Did you know that 71% of consumers who have a good social media experience with a brand are likely to recommend it to others? Engagement improves the experience, giving your followers something to talk about.
Those benefits are only scratching the service. The key is to increase engagement from your audience, so you can return the favor.
How to Supercharge Engagement From Your Audience
With just a few tips, you can start increasing your audience’s engagement pretty quickly on each of your social media platforms.
Market Your Social Media
For starters, make sure your audience knows that your social media accounts are out there and ready for connection. Display your social handles on your website and blog. If you use business cards, make use of extra real estate to show where your audience can find you online. Put your social handles in your emails, newsletters and anywhere else your audience might see them.
Don’t Ignore the Mentions, Comments and Check-Ins
If a follower mentions your brand, don’t ignore it. Comment back if it’s positive and give them an option to reach out if it’s negative. You can also do a quick search for your location or any hashtags you use to find pictures and posts that mention your brand. Respond to those, thanking them for the exposure. With social, it’s all about the conversation. Join in by reacting.
Encourage User-Generated Content
Your customers are your best advocates. And one of the best ways to take advantage of this advocacy is through user-generated content. Encourage your followers to post pictures, videos and other content about your brand. Many members of your audience are twice as likely to share user-generated content with friends and family as well. Your reach is increased with each piece of content shared.
Start Increasing Your Engagement Today
Engagement counts when it comes to using social media as a marketing channel. To learn more about increasing your engagement today, reach out to Legit Click Media by calling 414-465-2285 or sending us a quick message.
