I came across a recent study that showed nearly 80% of consumers would be more inclined to buy more often in the future because of a brand’s presence on social media, so for small businesses knowing how to capitalise on this is crucial. The use of social media for your business is to build positive ongoing relationships with potential customers and clients, it’s kind of like networking as you would do in person at an event, but online.

The best tip I received regarding social media was not to think like a publisher, but more like the reader. Think about who your new customers are, where they live, what their lifestyles are and what their interests are, business wise and outside of business. This will give you an idea to the social networks they’re using and what they’re reading. It’s all about connecting with customers.

Before you start your assault on social media, establishing your marketing objectives when using social media is key. In this case if you’re new to social media you want to strike up some kind of positive relationship with your potential clients. You want to resonate with them in such a manner that ultimately leads to a purchase. Social media is a great way to gather marketing information, build your brand, enhance your reputation and find new sales leads.

Here are three important tips to get you active on social media.

1. First and foremost, social media should boost your brand image. Social media allows you to show your customers what lies beneath the logo. The fact that it’s a great way to engage your customers is a given, but a lot of businesses skip the step of building brand awareness. Every interaction you have is part of your brand. When planning your messages, posts, and tweets, take some time to consider:

• Brand elements.What do you want your business to be known for? Apply these attributes into your online presence. For example, if you want your customers to trust your advice in the hospitality industry, provide articles and resources to help them find the right service provider.

• How to engage your customer.Be responsive and attentive to customer comments and use social media to post testimonials and customer stories.

• Create a human voice.Users like to talk to other people – not to an impersonal business. Whoever manages your social media must be able to write in a voice that sounds real and likeable using a style that suits your business. They need be able to express things in their own words not in the company’s jargon. However be mindful that although social platforms are meant to be personal, be careful of the tone you choose. Authenticity is key!

2. Start talking to people! With all social media platforms there is one common trait, users and viewers can comment and respond. Build your posts around the idea of beginning conversations with your target audience.
3. Don’t use social media for the hard sell. Social media is widely regarded as an entertaining fun social space where you chat to friends, check out photos, interesting videos, and relax. You need to join conversations and become part of a community, rather than being a business who tries to sell, sell, and sell.

Social media is also a great way for small businesses to run with the big businesses without blowing the budget. So get involved, join in and integrate social media into your marketing mix to build up your fan base.

Should you need any advice on marketing or are looking to put a marketing strategy in place, don’t hesitate to contact me for all your marketing and promotions requirements.

Sandy Ackerman

W: www.talkitupmarketing.com.au

M: 0438 702 998

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Customer loyalty schemes are an effective way to improve your customer retention levels and provide businesses with essential customer information. Originally started years ago with airlines and their air miles, loyalty schemes are now everywhere. From cards that reward you with a freebie after you’ve bought 10 juices from Boost to schemes like Flybys that allow you to accrue points to spend on other things.

In a competitive market place where customers switch suppliers in a blink of an advert, loyalty schemes are an effective way to keep customers and obviously improve your profitability. These days keeping the customer satisfied isn’t always enough.

Loyalty schemes help retain customers, first and foremost. By giving a reward program in your store/business you’re encouraging your customers’ future return, thus giving them a reason to come back again (beyond your great product and excellent customer service). Loyal customers buy more and are often willing to pay more.

The right loyalty scheme for your business

A well thought out scheme can achieve great results. Customers like loyalty schemes because they feel the are getting something for free (sort of). Your scheme needs to offer customers a reward they will appreciate. Remember you’re trying to reward your customer for behaving in the way you want them to. So set goals, for example do you want repeat business or do you want your customer to spend more?

Example loyalty schemes

1. If you’re a hairdresser you might like a loyalty scheme that offers a free head and shoulder massage on your 10^th visit.
2. A local petrol station may offer a weekly raffle when you spend over $50 on fuel you go into the draw to win a full tank every week. Making your customers come back each week to see if they have won.

Schemes should be simple to use and the rewards attractive and attainable. If customers have to spend a lot to get a little, they will be turned off and most likely leave to another company. When the marketing and promotions is done correctly, loyalty programs can lead to organic advertising and a heightened return on investment. So get an edge over your competition by employing one of your own.

One more thing – get to know your customer and it doesn’t have to be data generated. Sometimes it’s as easy as addressing the customer by their name (now that can be very rewarding).

If you would like more information about how to retain loyal customers, please contact Sandy Ackerman.

Sandy Ackerman
Talk It Up Promotions and Marketing
0438 702 998
sandy@talkitupmarketing.com.au

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