In January 2020, there were 18 million social media users in Australia according to Social Media Perth. That means a whopping 72% of Aussies use social media in some way.
So, how do you reach the right people and grow your social media following?
Firstly, there are a few simple things you can do now, such as:
- add social media buttons to your website
- use compelling visual content in your posts
- use hashtags.
It doesn’t end there! Below we unpack how to grow your social media following.
1. Have a killer content strategy
Content strategy is a bit of an unsung hero.
Director at Avion Communications (Shuttle Rocket’s big sister business), Natalie Khoo, describes it as “the choreographer in the background who doesn’t get the recognition, but weaves everything together.” So, though a customer might not notice it, it’s essential to ensuring the content you’re sharing (and when) is pitch perfect.
And if you’re posting across a variety of social media platforms, a content strategy will help you achieve consistent messaging.
Find out more about the importance of content strategy now.
Make it S.M.A.R.T.
Without a content strategy, you won’t have a clear plan to achieve your social media goals. You may also have difficulty measuring any results.
When creating your content strategy, remember to align your goals to the S.M.A.R.T. framework. By that we mean your goals should be:
- specific
- measurable
- achievable
- realistic
- time-bound.
Your goals should also consider the metrics you want to target. Perhaps instead of simply increasing the amount of ‘likes’ you get, you could aim to grow your audience or lift your conversion rate.
2. Know who you’re talking to
One sure-fire way to grow your social media following is to demonstrate you know your audience. In doing so, you’ll show you care about them. And, this can help to build loyalty and trust in your business.
Whoever your audience is, knowing them well will help you to figure out a few key things. For example, which social media channels you should be using, when you should use them and which information to add to your profile.
It’s important to do your research so you’re not making assumptions about which platforms your audience is using. If you’re unsure, you could even try testing different social media platforms, for example paid Facebook or Instagram posts, to see which performs better.
3. Build a relationship with your customer
Social media platforms have one key benefit for small businesses: you can talk directly to your customers.
Often, people use social networks to find out more about new brands or specific products. Rather than focusing on the hard sell, be helpful. By responding thoughtfully to private messages and the comments on your posts, you’ll build a relationship with your following over time.
(Psst – you could even borrow an idea or two from influencers for this.)
Just as showing your customer that you understand them builds brand loyalty and trust, engaging in meaningful communication can do the same thing. As your followers get to know you and what you stand for (through your content), you’ll be able to take advantage of platforms’ algorithms to gain exposure. The relationships you build are also likely to mean sales in the long run.
Ready to grow your following but you’re not sure where to start? The copywriters at Shuttle Rocket are experts at creating content for social media. Get in touch with us today.