If you are reading this post you are just as hooked on social media as we are. We wake up and immediately check to see what has happened on Facebook in the time we have been asleep or signed off from the world wide web. For many of us, it is the only way we can keep up with our friends’ crazy lives. The world is moving at such a rapid pace and traditionally we have associated social media with all fun and games… but that is just not the case anymore.
It is blatantly obvious that social media impacts what we read, what we buy, what movies we see, what fashion trends we follow, our political affiliation, what we cook for Christmas dinner and even the way we view our closest of friends.
In fact, a recent survey shows that we’ve become such a “social” society that 30% of men polled and 46% of women would rather go two weeks without sleep than live without the internet! The point is… either we are hooked, or we should be if only for the sake of our professional reputation.
So what exactly should we be doing to increase reader engagement and connect with the very consumers we’re eagerly attempting to attract? First, we must focus on what our “social interaction” goals are.
Ask yourself:
- Who is my customer?
- How am I reaching them?
- Do they care about my message?
- Are they listening?
If you have the slightest inkling that your followers might not be listening, interested, or engaging with your social media efforts… ask yourself… what is it that they’re not relating to? Have you spelled out in clear terms what you have to offer, what they can’t live without, and how you can solve the problem they believe to have in their lives?
By capitalizing on the intensity of your social media presence and your over all marketing efforts, you have the opportunity to interact, captivate and inspire your fans, friends and followers to whatever call-to-action you desire. This means that as an independent business owner and entrepreneur, you not only need to be constantly listening to your customers, but you must also find a way to romance yourself into their daily routine.
Getting your customers and potential clients to actively “listen” to your message means you must refine your communication. Focus on what your customer wants; ask yourself everyday whether your message is what they’re interested in and stay true to your goals.
Your social interaction whether it’s on Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin or Instagram should be an extension of who you are and a constant reminder to prospects, past clients and possible referrals that you are here, there, everywhere, when they are finally ready to take the dive.