It’s tragic sometimes.
Somebody pays a lot of money and works their heart on a blog site or Facebook Fan Page. They get:
- Sexy, custom graphics
- Up to the minute WordPress design
- Fancy Facebook Landing Page with video, email capture, and links
- Fancy custom Facebook Page banner
- Expert content development assistance
- Social Media strategy coaching from their favorite professional
And no fans or followers.
Why does this happen?!
Because, in the words of my wise and wonderful friend Sherry Sabine, seasoned Social Media strategist (God, I love alliteration!!),
“A lot of times people say ‘If you build it they will come.’ In Social Media this is just NOT true!!”
She’s right. Unless you’ve hired a professional Social Media manager to do these things for you, you need to be:
- Genuinely engaging with people. Fake = Flop
- Placing ads on Facebook that will help you to determine your target demographic
- Spending time on Twitter following people who are saying smart things
- Spending time on Twitter listening to people talking about your subject
- Blogging your butt off to get quality content out there on a regular basis
- All of this is just the beginning
There, I’ve said it.
Futzing around with your design and badgering your graphic designer aren’t alternatives to actually getting out there and engaging with people who might just be interested in what you have to offer.
Just sayin’
What have you found that has helped your Blog or Facebook Page to take off? We’re all ears!! 😀
One thing that I have thought has been helpful is via email to my current customer base. They love deals, and I have taught them to expect a monthly deal when I send out my emails to them. I entice them to fan me on Facebook for a 2-day only 15% off coupon, or some other way to get a discount, or even FREE foot pads.
I use Hootsuite so that I can always see when people post to my fan pages. I try to respond (i.e. converse) with each fan who posts, asks a question, etc.
This is really, really smart Rebecca! Valuing your existing customers with special deals is how business should be done! 😀 Thanks for sharing!
I also love Hootsuite, but haven’t been using it to check for Page updates. You’re finding it more convenient, eh? Do you use it to also check on Facebook Profile updates? You’ve got me intrigued!
My actions include blogging twice a week on hopefully helpful (alliterative action there,) topics to women who love jewelry. I’m not sure if they are listening yet, but the content is there for when they start.
I’m responding to my facebook business page fans. I always answer their questions and try to just acknowledge their presence in the convo.
My fans increased when I swapped sharing with another non-competitive business. I think we each got 25-35 new people by cross pollinating.
I just keep at it.
Calla Gold, Santa Barbara Jeweler
Sharing makes a LOT of sense Calla!! I also really love it when you post pics. Would love to see you post videos too, even if it’s just you holding the piece and turning it as you describe what you did with it.
I’d like to try that. Funnily enough I don’t know how. Sometime I’ll learn!
Any smart phone will do or, if you have a mac, Photobooth is a nice application. You can even do it via Facebook or YouTube!
Just start practicing. You don’t have to submit the first one. And after that it breaks the ice and just gets easier.
Thanks for commenting!!