Social media: It’s not just about you

You finally have your business’s Facebook page up and running, but how are you going to use it? Most small businesses use it strictly for sending out information about the company – the latest sale, new products and features and other announcements. Unfortunately, that’s all they do and then are left wondering why no one follows them or why they aren’t increasing sales.

True, an important aspect of social media is keeping your customers up-to-date on your business. They will want to know about your products and services, but that’s only half of it. Social media is not just a one-way street.

Social media websites like Facebook and Twitter are great places to have conversations with your customers. But you need to engage them, not just bombard them with information. Social media is just like any in-person relationship and requires some give and take. Listening to what your customers have to say can help you improve your business.

Here are five tips for engaging with your clients and customers on social media:

1. Start by simply asking questions. Go with general questions that people can answer without feeling like they are being put on the spot.
2. Stay away from controversial or overly trendy topics, such as politics, religion and Justin Bieber’s hair.
3. It takes time to get people involved, so be patient.
4. Keep it light and fun and don’t get upset if you don’t like the answer someone gives you.
5. Respond to every friend or follower who takes the time to reply to your question. Nothing will lose followers faster than feeling like their comments don’t matter.

Above all else, use social media as a tool to listen. You may be surprised by what you hear.