DW Tips

It's no secret that successful entrepreneurs use social media to raise their profiles and to build connections. Social media is an essential part of today's business strategy. But can it help increase sales? You bet!

Consider these facts from Forbes Magazine:

• Eighty percent of Fortune 500 companies rely on mobile phones and tablets to access and use social media as part of their sales efforts.
• Almost 79% of sales people who regularly use social media outperform colleagues who don't have profiles.
• Colleen Francis, president of Engage Selling, finds that salespeople who pursue leads using social media have impressive results: Sales between $30,000 and $250,000 are common. “The biggest sales have come from salespeople using Twitter to find opportunities and LinkedIn to find the names of the true buyers inside organizations.”

Learning how social media strategy and social media optimisation can increase sales are powerful tools for your company. Here are four simple tips to get you started or to bump up your current sales tactics:

Develop a complete profile

Whichever platform you choose--and you should choose several--make sure your profile complete, listing your experience and accomplishments. Include a professional photo. Customers will see you as confident and credible. Your goal is to present yourself as an expert, as well as someone who is trustworthy.

Build relationships 

Determine who your ideal customers are, and find them on their favorite platforms. Find common interests, join their groups, follow their tweets. Listen and ask questions. Start conversations and offer useful information. When you are sincerely engaged, people will respond accordingly. At some point, you can offer solutions that lead to sales.

Post often

In order to build your presence, you have to keep showing up. Use the "80-20" rule to post 80% information and 20% promotional.  In the beginning, you may want to try "90-10" to attract readers who look forward to your timely and relevant posts. Vary the content to keep things interesting. Regular posts require a commitment and follow-through. Don't be erratic.

Get analytical

Every social networking site offers tools to help you track your readers and followers. Some have options that let you see in real-time how many people are on your website, and where they're from. Over time, you can watch trends that help you know what is working and what needs improvement.

Using social media is easy. Using it effectively takes time and effort, but the enormous benefits are worth it. Making connections and growing your network are fun, too. You never know where your next loyal customer is coming from--increase the odds by making the most of social media. 

Ready to learn more? Just contact us today--we're waiting to help you achieve your dreams!