3 Key Steps to Jump-Start Your Business Using Social Media

What to do? Spend 5 minutes each week making sure your profiles are up-to-date, consistent and compliant with your company/brand standards. 

Step 2: Encourage Feedback and Find Your Niche

Years ago, when brands were just starting to dabble in social media, many were concerned about negative feedback. The fact is that whether you have a profile or not, consumers are probably already talking about you online. So why miss out on a chance to be a part of this conversation?

If people are saying something negative, use it as an opportunity to show your dedication, transparency, and commitment to do right by the customer. Did you know that 83% of people who complained on Twitter loved the response from those companies that did make an effort to respond? It’s up to you to turn a negative situation into a positive one. 

One trait that we see in some of our most successful advisors using Hearsay Social is that they have a sincere interest in learning more about their audience. These advisors actively and regularly seek feedback from their connections to determine what motivates them, what interests them and how to best serve them. By asking relevant questions on social media, you will not only show a true commitment to your clients and prospects, but you may even uncover a niche area of expertise that can allow you to find more leads. 

What to do? Once a week, ask your social media audience a question. Consider asking questions such as “What is your biggest financial concern? What are your biggest challenges to saving? or “How do you talk to your kids about their financial future?” 

Step 3: Keep the Conversation Going

All too often, I witness what I consider to be one the biggest faux pas in social business: the dangling conversation. An advisor posts a great article with some relevant insights for his connections, a prospect comments asking for more information, and then…no response from the advisor. While posting content on social media is critical to social business success, it is also essential to follow up on responses you receive. If a prospect says “Great article!” thank them and ask what part of the article resonated with them in particular. You may even consider asking for a meeting if you find that appropriate. If a client shares your content, consider picking up the phone to offer her more relevant information. 

Remember: social business does not necessarily transpire 100% on social media, though it’s often initiated on social media. Also, remember that 91% of online adults use social media regularly and that there are more devices connected to the Internet than there are people on earth (seriously).

Your clients and prospects are always connected. So don’t miss out on the opportunity to continue a dialogue and build a relationship.

What to do? Look through your past three posts across all of your social networks and identify any “dangling conversations.”

Pick up the phone, send an email or even comment back in-line to bring those conversations back to life. Make sure you set aside 5-10 minutes a week to check in on your posts moving forward.