Avoid Hindsight with 2020 Vision
As we usher in a new year, I first want to reflect on one of my favorite blogs: “A Resolution to do it Right” Aside from the pressures we take on to make a new year a new chapter, there are other great ways to start fresh rather than committing to resolutions.
It’s hard to believe that it’s 2020 already! Technology steadily advances at an incredible pace. Many people are adverse to technological advances and the changes they have on humanity in general, but especially in the workforce. For those who have been in the workforce since the 90’s, it can feel overwhelming. I thought this was important to discuss because I think many people’s resolutions should include adapting to revolution.
My business finds success in taking advantage of these advances and making them work for people. If we remain in what was proven successful in the past, we painfully learn it doesn’t work today. When I assist people, I create the building blocks to find success on their own and teach them how to maintain and grow with those blocks.
Some of the key items people need knowledge of today are centered on marketing and how to attract clients via the internet and social media. Below I explain 5 key elements you need to understand and use to your advantage to grow your business using social media
Know your clients. Your business may serve a specific demographic so it is important to study that demographic’s relationship with social media or the internet. You may be serving a demographic that you are not in, so what applies to you will not apply to them. To avoid overwhelming yourself or wasting time on the wrong market, do your research. For example, the majority of Instagram users are teens and twenty-somethings whereas Pintrest is more women sharing creative concepts and ideas and LinkedIn is directed to professionals in the workforce.
Engage your audience. This blog is an example of engaging my audience. Because my audience is a more eclectic demographic, my content varies with the intent to have something for everyone. Some demographics are more visual, which is where Instagram, Snap Chat and TikTok apply. Other demographics are pressed for time so quick bites such as sharing helpful tips related to your business as a facebook status or LinkedIn update. For example, if you are in the business of Dog Walking share a quick update about “10 foods toxic to dogs” or “5 simple training techniques to help your dog’s behavior”.
Create a presence on Yelp and similar online review based businesses. This is not always an easy task, but it is a necessary one. If this is new to you, you have likely already built a decent clientele who will be happy to leave positive reviews for your business. The best way to garnish reviews (fairly and legally) is to offer incentive to existing clients for leaving a review such as 10% off their next purchase or a free gift.
Study your competition. Learn what other businesses like yours are doing on their social media accounts or internet advertising. Look at the responses they are receiving from views and look at their customer reviews on sites like Yelp or Google. Identify the most successful ones and find your own way of achieving the same success while being unique. This may require research or a helping hand.
Don’t be afraid to spend money on advertising and customer reviews. Yes, the internet has many free opportunities to promote your business and many businesses sell themselves. But, at the end of the day, the most successful business owners are not afraid to spend a little money on marketing. The beauty of investing in social media marketing is that it can be a one time investment if you use the tools you paid for properly after your initial investment. Use the purchase to your advantage by paying attention to what was done to achieve a larger audience for you and what about the marketing attracted new clients for you. Keep watch on your social media metrics and identify your peaks and decreases.
So, if your new year’s resolution is to grow or create your own business, you are absolutely in the best age for it. Once you let go of the intimidation of the powers of social media and embrace it, you can definitely use it to your advantage. Investing a little time and money into research and marketing now can give you to tools to find success on your own sooner than later.
If you would like to learn more about this topic, please contact me for a detailed discussion on how I can help your business and give you the tools to find marketing success!