Picking up where we left off 2 weeks ago (read
5 Reasons Your Shop Needs to Do Social Media), this week we’re sharing how your shop can get started using social media. I know what you’re thinking, it’s not worth my time, but here are a few stats that might convince you otherwise:
- Facebook is closing in on 700 million accounts, making it the 3rd largest country in the world.
- Twitter has 120 million user accounts, and is the fastest growing social media platform on the planet.
- YouTube has 2 days worth of video uploaded every MINUTE, and is the second most used search engine after Google (and Google owns YouTube)
- LinkedIn is cash flow positive, went public at a nice premium to their initial public offering price, just crossed the 100 million user threshold, and has representation from every Fortune 500 company.
- FourSquare and other location based services are growing by leaps and bounds. Last year FourSquare experienced 3400% growth, and recently changed the game by offering more “points” for check-ins, better badges for doing things, and are showing you how long before you can become the Mayor of your kid’s daycare.
So how do you start taking advantage of all these services?
1) Listen to what others are saying – Chances are, people in your neighborhood are already talking about your business, or about businesses like yours. They may be competitors, they may be customers, or they may be people who don’t even know what exists in your neighborhood. Search for your company name, your brand, your competitor’s name and brand, terms like “car repair,” “brakes fixed” and any others that your shop can do at the following places:
Surprised at what you see?
2) Pick a channel, any channel – Do you like the speed of Twitter, the variety of Facebook, the professionalism of LinkedIn, or the video awesomeness of YouTube? Pick 1 channel, and set it up!
3) Complete your profile – don’t be one of those people who sign up for an account and then leave the default settings with no picture, no bio, and no link back to your shop’s website. Take 10 minutes and complete your entire profile so you can look like a professional.
4) Follow/friend/connect all of your competitors (and encourage your employees to do the same) – Legally spy on all your competitors, and see how they’re using (or likely, NOT using) social media. Adapt what you see working for your shop, and don’t do what doesn’t work. Simple huh?
5) Say hi to your existing customers and potential customers – If you see someone you know using social media, say hello. Ask them how they are. Get to know them better and deepen your relationship with them. You wouldn’t ignore someone if you bumped into them at the grocery store, so don’t ignore them on social media!
6) Share your opinions on non controversial topics that matter to you (and your customers) – Passionate about Indy racing, NASCAR, your local baseball team, a TV show, a book, a news story, ANYTHING that’s non-controversial. Share your thoughts, ask some questions, and have some FUN!
7) Repeat – You need to repeat these steps as often as possible. If you don’t, your competitors will!
Social media won’t close many sales, but it will create and deepen relationships in ways normal advertising can’t and that will lead to sales.
Today’s action step: Sign up for a service, and then let us know where you are so we can connect with you.
Want to connect with Reman U?
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