Social media has enabled our customers, prospects, and employees to be connected 24/7, regardless of where they are. Customers expect businesses to listen and respond when they have questions, not when it is convenient.
Connecting with customers on Social Media, and using social networks to show your appreciation for customers, fosters word of mouth within a community, whether that community is as local as a 10-mile radius or as vast as the Internet enables. When you understand which features on social media support local marketing, you can focus the power of Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram to expand influence in your little corner of the world. Promote Facebook check-ins at your business. When people check in, they’re giving you free visibility in the news feed. Whether you incentivize check-ins or simply display visual reminders for customers to check in, this is a great way to promote your business to a local audience. Customer companies not only have the tools, but make the effort to know who you are regardless of how you connect.
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| How to Connect With Local Customers via Social Media |
Customers have expectations. They have choices if their expectations are not met. Understanding that they have both a voice and the power of choice is one more critical point in connecting with customers. You need to earn their trust. Odds are you don't plan to stake out social networks 24/7, but you do need to check in daily and respond to everyone who has commented on your posts. Word catches on in the online world, and if you are an outstanding community member, others will follow and trust you. People will then begin to share your message. Social engagement is a two-way street. Consider creating how-to and instructional videos, posting them on YouTube, and sharing them on your blog as well as social platforms. Visuals can capture a customer quickly.
Most importantly, keep in mind that chasing numbers of followers should not be your goal. Quantity is great, but not everyone on social media is your targeted customer. Use search to find those who are interested in your business and center your outreach on qualified customers.
Most importantly, keep in mind that chasing numbers of followers should not be your goal. Quantity is great, but not everyone on social media is your targeted customer. Use search to find those who are interested in your business and center your outreach on qualified customers.
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