Essential Tips to Engage with Social Media Followers

It’s not very difficult to make a sale. What is difficult is getting that customer to come back to you again. Today, with social networking sites boasting hundreds of millions of users, it is sound business sense to make use of this medium.

Not only to interact with existing customers, but also for widening your client base.
Many shoppers also prefer brands that are active on social media as it makes communication very easy.

Now the question is what do you do on these sites to retain your customers’ loyalty?
Here are some pointers:

1. Post Interesting Content:

This is basically social media marketing strategies 101. Your customers will expect fresh content on your page or wall on a regular basis, so always post stuff that will interest them; be it photos, videos, interesting quotes or anecdotes, helpful tips or any other thing that will catch their attention.

The power of visual media is boundless; make full use of it for grabbing attention and keeping your customers on your page and in your client database.

2. Ask for Feedback:

Get your customers involved in your brand. Encourage them to leave their opinion on your products, services, staff, and the stuff you post on the web too. One business posted a picture of their latest range of cosmetics and had a statement under it saying: ‘We think the latest range of skin care products from XYZ is simply awesome.

Don’t you? Like if you agree’ you will certainly get a lot of likes from people who have used the product and liked it, but be prepared for negative comments too. In that case, you will know what you need to change or improve. This way, the customers will be happy that you value their opinion.

3. Run Contests:

At regular intervals you could announce simple contests that will be fun for your customers and a great way to retain their attention. The most common types of contests are photo captions or slogan contests (I like ABC product because ------).

You could use photos connected to your business, like a smiling customer at the return counter, or satisfied patrons enjoying great pasta at your restaurant. You could give a sample product as the prize or a token gift, but be sure to publicize the winner. This is sure to melt even the tougher hearts. You could even offer prizes like ‘Thousandth online buyer’ or something like that.

4. Respond in Time:

Never forget to thank customers for positive feedback or apologize to disgruntled ones. And remember to do it as soon as possible. The customers will love that you are giving due importance to what they have to say. The tone of your replies should be such that they mollify customers who have grudges and thrill the already happy customers.

5. Get involved:

You could spearhead a support group or some local charity or offer to sponsor the little league team; this will help you build your brand offline too. You could make these announcements on your social networking accounts, and maybe even start a group to discuss how you’d like to go about the work.

Make it a point to post pictures of all the social service work you do so that it gets maximum visibility. When you show that you care, it will definitely impress your customers.

  Mark Bennett

About the Guest Author:

This is a guest post by Mark Bennett of Onlinecmcast.com, a site that offers savings and current information on comcast cable providers and comcast internet plans.