Social Media is a whole new world. Even in the darkest time when it seems that marketers almost destroyed it with unnecessary ads, it remains a brilliant place to connect with like-minded people around the globe.
And here is the key word “connect”. When we first try to apply Social Media Branding as entrepreneurs, we often want to scream about our offers. “Hey, hire me! I’m an opportunity! Use my brains! Use my experience! I can help!”, and for overwhelmed readers, you sound just like the other door to door seller.
They don’t want you, even if you are brilliant. And of course you are brilliant, but what to do next?
Here are 6 ways to attract your clients on autopilot. You will never need to promote yourself in a sleazy way ever again.
Tell a Story
What do you love to do apart from your business? Do you have some stories from your life that have made you laugh or cry?
Here is an example:
My creative story started when I was four, with a short newspaper note “The art exhibition was very successful, children from all around Ukraine were giving their art projects. The average age of participants was between 6 to 12. Also, the 4-year-old E. Voyevoda took his part in an exhibition.” I was always upset that they called me a boy, but there was no way back. My creative career had been decided then.
Do you think people will immediately buy from me just by hearing this story? No. But they will remember that I’m related to something creative from the early childhood, and as I’m a specialist in branding and visual communication, it works for me.
What story leads clients to your brand?
Share some Value
Give some tips and ideas. My personal recommendation is not to share what everyone shares. Look at your experience and before you recommend something try it. This way your content always will be original. We all have experiences that are unique and valuable. When you hear from the biggest names in the industry like Gary Vee or Oprah or Marie Forleo, did you notice what they share? More important, how they share.
The value combined with your unique charm is the best way to a Powerful Personal Brand.
Tweet It!
It’s a valuable advice with a powerful flavor of personal experience. You have something valuable to share that no one else has but you. The real experience that you have makes much more sense than the one you just looked in from the book. Usually, the valuable posts are the main reason why people choose to work with you.
- First, they know what you do.
- Second, they see that you are passionate about it.
- Third, they see that you have a solution for their problem.
What are your unique powers that can inspire your readers and spice up your posts?
Share Content that Inspires you
Follow influencers and all people who inspire you. This type of content is very powerful if you want to establish your authority fast. When you comment on somebody’s else’s opinion, there are several ways. One, you agree, and you have a few more points to support the topic. Otherwise, you entirely disagree, and you have substantial evidence that your position is correct unlike the one in the topic. The third way, you just share the resource, then add to it or tell why you also use it.
In this situation, you put your name along with big names. If customers like your opinion around the content and the topic they will put you in a similar position in their mind. If you do it consistently, then you gain authority faster than ever.
Who are your favourite public figures?
Connect with people by giving genuine comments
This is a crucial skill for Social Media Branding. We do not build numbers here, but a community. If you comment and put attention on what people do, they will answer. Try to know people better, ask questions and give answers. Avoid general automatic looking comments such as “Wow. You’re Rock. Well done. Great…”.
Make such comments that people want to reply. Tweet It!
Consider commenting as another way to provide value. Don’t be shy to start a conversation even if no one answers you today; you’ll build your tribe eventually.
In 2008 I generated massive traffic to my then blog just by commenting on similar blog posts online. So comments are compelling, and while we can’t call them an autopilot technique, they are an investment in your brand success.
What type of comments do you like to receive?
Share testimonials
Nothing sells better than a realistic feedback. Collect testimonials, ask for video testimonials whenever possible. Share customer’s’ words as it is without editing so that they sound more believable and honest. I asked many people if they believed the testimonials online. And people mostly say “maybe, but not really”. We all can take testimonials from our neighbourhood, you see. But video testimonials and testimonials in Facebook comments are far more powerful. They are public, and people allow you to post them to your channels. It’s difficult to pretend on video, that’s why if you can share a customer’s feedback, make it real. The testimonial may not convert your prospects to buyers but will give them a reason to believe, even if they’re still not convinced to 100%.
Which testimonials do you like to read — the realistic and raw ones or those that are polished to perfection?
Show how your product is created
Instead of saying “Hey, buy my product”, tell the story about its benefits. Make a video on how it was created, show details, describe it in a yummy storytelling way so that people get involved in the process and fall in love with your product. Professional videos about the product creation is always a good way to share with clients what you do. Check out the biggest brands, masters of Social Media Branding, like Dior by Fashion Channel or Louis Vuitton by CNN or Prada handmade collection.
You can share so much through such video, a mood, your brand values such as attention to details, your lifestyle, and more. If you can’t make a video, use Instagram and share your story via beautiful photos. Hands of the Master, smile, final touches. Let your client’s know now how much you respect them and how much you add into it.
You may ask “Where is autopilot?”
Well, here is the huge difference when customers come to you, and you request them to buy. When they’ve already made their decision, they’re just confirming with you; there is no need to convince them or ask. They already know you and want to work with you. And that’s the way how Social Media Branding wins customers’ hearts.
Originally published at brandplusphoto.com on Mar 12, 2017.
Originally published at medium.com