Building and nurturing relationships in real life can be tricky sometimes. But it can be the most rewarding thing in the world. Building relationships over social media for your business is quite similar to building them in everyday life. It takes effort, consistency, time, and honesty, just like any other relationship in your life.
Here is a quick and easy breakdown of building and strengthening social media relationships to drive business.
Show Up Consistently
Consistency is one of the most critical factors in building strong social media relationships. Let's think back to high school for a moment. If you disappeared for a month, would your position change in the social standings? It likely would have. Or even if not, how can you expect to make friends if you don't show up? Or are there the one day then gone the next seven days? People won't want to bother with you. An inconsistent presence makes you less trustworthy. All of these spotty posts will never leave an impact on your customers or have any positive results. But consistency will.
Engage
How do you ever expect to make friends if you don't say hello first? Engaging with your customers on social media is an absolute must-do. It's called "SOCIAL" media for a reason. You're supposed to be social! Leave meaningful comments on people's posts, not just emojis; make them want to reply to your comment! Respond to ALL comments on your posts and try and induce some conversation there!
Make efforts with people in your target audience and who is engaging with you. Engage with new accounts every day!
Be YOU
Do you know what makes you different from every other business trying to win your customers' business? YOU! People want to see the face behind the brand. They want to know who you are! They want to see what you and your dreams are all about. So tell them, show them, and be your true you!
Take an Interest in Their Interests
If they post about their dog, tell them how cute their dog is, then tell them about your dog! If they are proud first-time homebuyers, say congratulations and welcome to the neighbourhood! Find a connection, and be genuinely interested in them as people, even if it's just a couple of words! It can go a long way!
It's as easy as that. Treat them like your real-life relationships and nurture them as such! Then, just like genuine relationships, it feels and will be rewarding!
Happy posting!
~ Aethra & Brontide Consulting