Find 'em, go get 'em, keep 'em.
Social media has revolutionized the way that we find and communicate with loyal and potential customers.
It’s never been as easy to get your message heard by the right people at the right time as it is today—that is, if you know how to use social media effectively.
One of the biggest tools in the social media marketing arsenal is Facebook, and we’re about to give you a quick rundown on how to make it work for you.
Here’s your Quick-Start Guide to finding (and keeping) your audience on Facebook:
1) Identify your target market
You’ve likely already done this, as it’s often the first step in starting a business. Your target market is a great place to start when you’re looking to target posts and ads on Facebook, but keep in mind that it isn’t the end point.
It’s important to remember that your target market shouldn’t be a limiting factor. It will help you use your money wisely, but social media is all about reaching new fans and spreading the word about your brand. Don’t be afraid to branch out, just be sure that you’re doing it strategically.
2) Tailor your messages
While your target market may be diverse, know that not all groups respond to messages with equal enthusiasm. Take this into account as you go about planning your strategy and developing your content.
For example: Some memes are great for younger audiences that spend a lot of time on the Internet, but my Grandma doesn’t understand most of them. If you’re trying to reach my Gran, you’re going to need something a little more traditional. Know your audience and talk to them in their own language.
3) Check out your audience…and your competition
Not sure how your audience interacts? Do a little investigative work. Check out what people are saying on the page, look into your analytics to get a better idea of which audiences are responding to your current messaging and develop ideas for reaching new fans.
Don’t be afraid to check out the competition, either. A quick tour through a competitor’s Facebook page can provide you with some helpful insight, but can also serve as a kind of cautionary tale. Be sure you know the difference between a Facebook page with a lot of likes and a Facebook page with a lot of value. Don’t follow the herd if the herd isn’t getting the kind of interaction that’s going to be valuable to you. Trust your fans and trust the numbers, then adjust your tactics from there.
4) Give them a reason to listen
This is the big one. If you’ve got nothing to say, no one’s going to listen. If your posts lack personality, they’re not going to go far. Social media marketing is more than just a few lines of copy and link posted in the right place at the right time.
There are people on the other end of all of these messages. People have thoughts and feelings and emotional responses to what they see and read. Use that to your advantage and treat your audience like actual living, breathing humans. Your potential customers aren’t just numbers waiting to contribute to a bottom line. They’re people with wants and needs and if you can show them how you fit into their lives, you won’t need to strong-arm them into liking you on Facebook.
There’s a lot that goes into marketing on Facebook, but these four simple guidelines will help you get started. Good luck and get posting!
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