WTF is happening with social media? Let’s discuss!
Social media platforms are some of the most powerful tools to grow your business BUT cracking the code of how to use them successfully can be very frustrating. Why is one post getting zero engagement? Why aren’t posts converting to sales? Why aren’t you seeing posts from people you want to hear from? Let’s discuss!
Navigating new platforms, constantly changing algorithms, and creating consistent content can feel like a full-time job – especially when you’re managing everything on your own. But this isn’t just something small businesses struggle with; even large corporations don’t have a secret formula to mastering social media.
So how should you approach social media as a small business owner? To get you started, we are sharing 3 tips below. To access our “Social Media Help!” video lesson, worksheet, and special guest conversation with social media expert Kiki Von Glinow, join our membership here.
Tip #1: Use Social Media Platforms as Communications Tools
Social media platforms are first and foremost tools to communicate. While they can lead to sales and support your overall business growth, their primary functions are:
Build brand awareness - Many people are likely finding out about you through social media, so you want to make a good first impression
Build trust and loyalty - Engage with your audience by creating an open dialogue and providing value through tips and inspiration
Share important news and updates - Get the word out about launches, events, press placements, partnerships, etc.
Bring your brand story to life - What do you want to be known for? Tell others your story exactly how you want it to be told.
Tip #2: Shift Your Mindset
There is not a one-size-fits-all formula to winning at social media. It is different for everyone and the key to success changes daily. It’s important to shift your mindset around what success looks like. Try adopting these mindset shifts:
Experimentation over expertise - One post might not perform well while another is an unexpected hit; keep trying and adapt to what is currently working.
More followers does not always equal more sales or more success - Don’t be preoccupied by numbers! Having a loyal following with fewer followers can be even more beneficial to your business than thousands of unengaged followers.
Slow sales does not mean social media “isn’t working” - Remember to reference the primary uses for social media listed above.
Authenticity and consistency over perfection - One trend that isn’t going away is the desire to see “real” content that doesn’t feel overly polished or produced.
Don’t be afraid to “get it wrong” - At the end of the day, social media posts are fleeting. You can always try again. Don’t get caught up in overanalyzing the performance of each post.
Tip #3: Start with Your Brand Foundation
Good PR, which includes social media, starts with your brand foundation. When you get clear on your brand foundation (see below), you’ll be able to:
Tell your story in a consistent way
Connect with your dream customers
Have a roadmap to follow for your social media and content strategy
Brand Foundation Building Blocks:
Business goals
Target audience
Differentiation
Founding Story
Messaging
Aesthetic & tone of voice
We teach you how to build a brand foundation step by step in The Brand Starter Kit online course.
Social media can feel daunting but it doesn’t have to!
Start small and take on what feels realistic for you right now.
Our membership’s Hot Topic PR Lesson this month is “Social Media Help!”. Get immediate access to our video lesson, worksheet and a special guest conversation with social media expert Kiki Von Glinow when you sign up here.
