21 Social Media Selling Truths Every Brand Needs to Hear

Even expert social media marketers sometimes don’t want to admit to themselves when something’s not working.

Why a strategy on social media isn’t working often can be tied to one or more truths. Despite changes in algorithms, platforms, and social media trends, some things just stay the same. Every brand needs to hear these. Here are some social media selling truths you can use to sell more, create more followers, and get more from your social strategy.

Your presence isn’t guaranteed sales

Creating a profile and making some posts doesn’t equate to success. Social media selling is science, art, and adaptability. You’ve got to move quick, be smart, and be willing to change what you’re doing according to what’s working.

Takes time to build foundation

Creating a haphazard account, you aren’t going to generate massive numbers instantly. Every profile is like its own small website. It takes time to catch eyes, get followers, and get some momentum. Once you do though, you can see a lot of growth. Like with any new business, no one hits peak revenues on day one. Invest the effort to learn, adapt, and maximize the opportunities in new environments.

Users want authority and thought-leaders, not duplicates

Brands get complacent on social media. They simply repeat what others have done, no unique thinking involved. Users follow thought leaders. They want reliable information from brands they trust. Instead of selling, selling, and selling, focus on communicating something unique and in establishing your authority as a thought-leader.

Social media is a relationship-creator, not a sales generator

No one wants to be ‘sold’. Social media works best when you’re cultivating a relationship, as opposed to selling. Create the relationship and sales will follow. We are inundated daily with marketing. Be authentic. Be real. Someone following your brand or interacting with you likely already are aware of what you’re selling. You don’t have to hit them with a sales pitch.

Interact regularly on social media

You don’t build a relationship by talking to someone once every six months. Communicate regularly with followers. Be genuine. You don’t want the conversation to feel forced. If you don’t have a reason to check in with someone, don’t. A public social media post is sometimes just enough. Remind your followers you exist and that you’re available to answer questions. Be your most natural self, give useful advice, and be helpful.

Serve before selling

Give value. Serve your social follower before assuming it’s time to call on them to convert. Following an account is a way to opt-in. It shows interest. It doesn’t mean, “Please sell me something now.” Serve them up value, no obligation required.

Be consistent

No company takes a ‘week off’ social media. The brands who are consistent with their posts, interactions, and social media customer service are 40 percent more likely to hit social selling revenue goals. Stay connected and consistent. Consumers notice this.

Find success when you give more, receive less

Sharing and commenting is what social media is all about. Give more than you receive. Sometimes, when you’re not getting results on social media marketing, give a little. Comment on others’ posts, consider joining relevant communities, and engage more with those that are commenting on your posts.

Keep your social media profiles up to date

Ensure your profiles are filled in, up to date, and that you’re easy to contact. If it appears like you’ve rushed filling in your profile or if it’s not complete, this gives a negative impression to a prospect. It’s got to look direct, clean, and crisp.

Update your social media images with offers

If you have seasonal offers or promotions, show it off on your social media. Create your own banner ad for your profile. Make people excited about it! Be careful not to replace key brand images though, such as your logo.

Competition is fierce

You’re not alone on social media. You’ve got to outdo the competition. It can take a lot, sometimes. YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram are where most of the competition sits. Although social media is fertile ground for sales and selling, if you’re not ready for the next level, you’re in the wrong place.

Cross-platform social media marketing

Few of us are on only one social media platform. Your activity shouldn’t be limited to only one, either. Cross-platform social media marketing is a must. Consider Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, TikTok, Snapchat, and others. Get the word out. Maximize your reach by being social media available.

Each social media platform has its nuances

Instagram doesn’t work like Twitter or Facebook. Every platform has its feel. Assuming the same strategy is going to work across all is a recipe for disaster. Instagram, for example, is very playful whereas LinkedIn is professional. Think about the tone of the platform when you’re posting thoughts, emotions, and information.

Personalize before sending your message

Before you reach out to a follower, do some research. A one-size-fits-all pitch doesn’t work on social media. It registers as spam. Segment your followers. Know their demographics. Use their name in any messaging. Treat them as more than a number.

The followers you have are more valuable than the followers you don’t

This can be tough to hear. The objective of so much social media marketing is to gain likes and followers. It’s six times more expensive to find a new customer than it is to retain an existing. A similar phenomenon occurs in social media. Just because someone is following you today, unfortunately, doesn’t mean they will continue to do so.

Are you easy to contact – you should be

If someone has taken the time to write you a message, they’re no doubt expecting a reply. If getting in touch for a follower is complicated or challenging, that’s a negative. You could lose that follower if they feel ignored.

Define a social media post schedule

Post regularly. Have a schedule that you follow. Ensure information is being posted at the best time. Certain times of day, for example, are more conducive to sharing and comments. Be consistent. Execute.

Be ready to change and evolve

Social media marketing strategies change every year. On top of that, you have real-time data showing you what’s working. Stay on top of social media marketing trends. Take the opportunities available to you. Some trends only come once.

Track analytics and make adjustments

Social media analytics exist to give you insight on a given strategy. If your analytics are telling you change is needed then make it happen. Don’t tie yourself to a strategy that isn’t producing numbers. Making adjustments is a good thing.

Exercise patience when it comes to social media selling

There is no shortcut or hack to social media marketing. Use the tools available to you. Employ smart strategies. Then give it time. It may take a few weeks to a month before significant differences start to happen. In some cases, it takes longer.

Consumers prefer social media over a lot else

Social media is preferred by a lot of consumers over TV. They prefer it over phoning customer service. Social media is where they spend the most time on their smartphones. They go to it for family interactions, entertainment, news, and general information. Checking in on social media is routine. Businesses have the opportunity to find their way into this routine. The more human, valuable, authentic, and emotional your social posts are, the more you’ll stand out. The more you will be remembered. The more followers you will get.

Are you looking for a way to increase your social media likes, shares, followers, and sales – Unlimited Exposure is where to look. See revenue gains you didn’t even know were possible through social channels. See record results. Give us a call. Let’s make those numbers count.