I think we can all agree that we have a love/hate relationship with social media. I most definitely could not run my online business without it (well I could but it would make it exponentially harder), but some people definitely abuse it or don’t use it in the best possible way. First of all, the comparison game. The perfect standards people feel like they have to live by. The highlight reel. I personally try to share the good, the bad and the ugly on my personal pages to be a light and motivator for others, but also to let people know they are not alone and life is not always great and easy.
That being said, I feel like we can see these same sorts of comparison in the online business world. Especially as a virtual business owner in the done-for-you service provider space. It’s easy to compare to what other people are doing. How many followers they have. What “success” they are claiming in a seemingly short time period… all of those things to distract you from your own business and success. But showing up online as YOU vs. someone else is so important. It’s how your ideal clients will find you and relate to you. I want to get into personal branding more, but that will be another post for another day. But for now, just remember that you need to show up on social media, despite what anyone else is doing -- and you need to show up WHERE your target market is.
Here are my top 5 tips on how to show up for your ideal client on social media:
Identify your target market
How do you know where to show up online if you don’t know your target market? Get specific. What’s their age? Income level? Specific locations where they live? Type of lifestyle? Do they have pets? Where do they eat or shop? Really dig into creating an avatar for your brand. In order to show up for your ideal client/target market you need to get really specific on who he/she is and what they like.
Where does your target market hang out?
I don’t mean for happy hour (I mean you could try that too), but what social media platforms? If you’re an eCommerce or consumer facing brand you can almost guarantee they are on Instagram and Facebook. These platforms are also great for remarketing to your target audience through ads. But those types of people may not be on LinkedIn. Just the opposite may be true if you’re a B2B company. LinkedIn may be huge for you and Instagram may not be a place people are looking for their CPAs. This is going to take some market research and analysis, but dig into where your audience lives online.
What type of content does your target market like?
How does your ideal client like to consume information and what do they like to consume? Think through each platform, what it’s used for and if it would make sense for reaching your audience. Test out some different types of content if you’re just starting out, or review your analytics if you’re more seasoned. What types of posts perform better? Video, photos or links? Are there certain images that do better than others? You can also ASK your ideal client directly through industry specific Facebook groups, or on an Instagram story or Facebook post/live, survey, etc.
How can you show up and engage with your audience?
Now that you know what type of content your audience likes to consume, how can you show up for them and engage with them? Engagement is KEY. If people are taking the time to comment on your posts, or DM you, you want to make sure you’re replying with genuine comments and interest, or answer their questions and provide them value. Seek out your ideal client on the social platforms they hang out on. Comment on their posts, share them if you agree and show your support. People will more than likely take the time to support you as well. Build relationships with your audience as people really just want to know you care, this will go a long way. You’ll be building that know, like and trust factor I always talk about and gaining new customers/clients in no time that are actually aligned with your business and brand.
Build Relationships Analyze and Repeat
Spend time weekly and monthly reviewing your social media analytics. What worked, what didn’t work? What types of content were well received? Stay on top of industry trends and research new platforms. Just because the latest and greatest social platform comes out, it does not necessarily mean you need to be on it. I had a B2B client once who was on Snapchat and after completing an social media audit we saw LITTLE TO NO engagement with them through that platform, which was not a surprise. It’s not always best to be the first one on the bandwagon train. Test it out as an individual. See how it grows and if your business ideal client is on there and then jump on board if it seems like a good fit.
Sometimes I think we try to do it all and be EVERYWHERE. When in reality we’re just creating more work for ourselves and not maximizing our efforts on the things that work. I’d much rather show up on 1-2 platforms and have a super engaged audience than 4-5 and be stretched SO THIN I can’t build relationships and grow each platform audience well. Oh and finally, PLEASE don’t buy your followers or use an automated service to grow your account. You’ll get a bunch of fake followers, have low engagement and your ideal client will see right through ya. Patience. Consistency. Engagement. Keys to success on social.
What platforms do you show up on to connect with your ideal client?
If you haven’t checked out my latest FREE offer, the Get Your SH!T Together Strategy Workbook, you need to head here to get it NOW. It’s the exact process I walk my clients through to help them determine what automations they need in their business to achieve their short and long term goals, and ultimately grow their business.
Katelyn Hamilton is an Online Business Manager and Get Your Sh!t Together Strategist. She helps busy entrepreneurs organize, strategize and prioritize their business to go from overwhelmed to out-in-front.
After spending 6 years in the corporate world working with multimillion dollar companies, top-rated chefs and celebrities, she launched her own business to find more flexibility and freedom. She matched her corporate salary in just one year of starting her business.
Katelyn is also a soon-to-be wife, stepmom, dog mama of two furry friends, fitness lover, sports fanatic (Go Dawgs) and dreams of living at the beach.
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