In a previous post we discussed how social selling works, and how it can be combined with Email Lead Generation software to increase ROI. There we talked about how sales professionals can use social media to generate new leads. Today we’re switching gears, ever so slightly, to explore how marketing professionals can use social media sharing.
According to Aberdeen, 84% of B2B marketers use social media, in some form or other. The reason? Potential customers are on social media, all day, every day. It’s the perfect place to meet them because they’re already there.
Marketers are using social media to engage and connect with their customer base. It’s also a great tool for brand promotion. But just like with all marketing efforts, it’s especially important to do it correctly. Without the proper tactics the tool is almost completely useless.
Using Email Lead Generation is a smart way to generate leads and start a connection with possible customers. Then you can nurture those leads through social media sharing.
Social Media Sharing = Caring
Social media platforms lend themselves perfectly to companies who want to connect on a down-to-earth, personal level. This is because social media isn’t about self-promotion, it’s about engaging, sharing, and connecting. The best way to make sure your social media efforts are working is to think of your followers as your community. You’re not just there to sell, sell, sell, you’re there to share, to listen, and to connect.
The first step in building your company’s social media presence is to do your research. A lot of B2B companies are active on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Google+. But this doesn’t necessarily mean you should be too. You need to figure out where your audience is and connect with them there. Then you can go deeper and figure out what content they’re most receptacle to, what times they’re most engaged, and so on.
The next step is to listen. Stop what you’re doing and just listen. If you are busy self-promoting and making sales pitches, people won’t listen to you. You have to observe and listen just as much, if not more, as you talk, share, and post. Pay attention to what others are saying, and bring something valuable to their conversations. It’s the most effective way to build your social media community.
And of course, with social media sharing, it’s important to share and promote what others are doing. Show you care, and that way you’ll start to build relationships. Who knows, they might reciprocate and promote your company in return.
Finally, work at building a strong community with influencers in your market. Identify the top key online influencers and try to connect with them. In the same way, target and connect with customers who you can view as advocates for your company. Develop a strong base for your community, based on mutual respect and solid relationships.
Social Media Sharing = Growing
Sharing content on social media is a great way to connect with your already existing audience yes, but it can also help you reach more people.
When just one person clicks ‘share’ on Facebook, or ‘retweet’ on Twitter, your content is instantly passed on to their hundreds or thousands of friends and followers. The more people that share your content, the more people you’ll reach. Before people will share your content though, you have to make sure your content is worthy of being shared.
According to the Harvard Business Review, people usually share things on social media because they:
- Had a great experience with the product or service
- Have expert or insider information
- Have information that will help someone else out, or
- Find something funny or enjoyable
Quality content is always key. You need to find content that your audience will engage with. It also needs to be unique enough that they’ll share it. Once you get this step down you’ll be well on your way to building a quality social media presence for your company.
Don’t Forget about Email Lead Generation
The fastest way to generate leads for your business is by sending emails to purchased lists through Email Lead Generation software. The software is designed to help you generate new leads safely and efficiently, at a much faster rate than inbound marketing alone.
Once you’ve generated new leads with Email Lead Generation, you can then build a deeper connection with them through social media sharing. Target your new leads on various social media platforms and listen to what they’re saying. Then share content that they’ll engage with.
Email Lead Generation is a safe, smart, and effective tool to start you off on the right foot. By sending to purchased contacts, you’re able to generate leads faster. You can then connect with them further through social media. Combining Email Lead Generation software with social media sharing will turn your new leads into well-nurtured leads.
You can learn more about Email Lead Generation, and how it can help you generate more leads, by signing up for a short, one-on-one demo.
