One that's relevant, memorable and valuable online requires a lot more than attractive photos and video. Standing out from the digital noise requires more than just posting. You have to earn attention, then trust and inspire subsequent action whatever it may be.
You need to learn how to connect with your customers in a real way. You have to know how to leverage the technology to be more real, to make people laugh, to share your story and inspire them to take action.
Be you
The best way to attract your ideal customer, which will create value is letting your true colours shine. Don’t pretend you’re someone, or some brand that you’re not. Find your voice and share your personality with the world.
Life and business work so much better when lived in high human definition, with no filters. Share your story, and invite, engage and bring others with you for the journey.
Let them help build you. For my Instagram profile, I mix business with pleasure yet ensure my images are on brand using my branding colours.
Create a content calendar and plan
Though many spontaneously post content to social profiles, your results will increase if you take the time to plan out your content.
The more you can focus on the right audiences, objectives and strategies to attract your ideal audience, the more successful you’ll be.
Planoly is a good content planner for Instagram that allows you to see what your images look like on a grid format before you post. You content calendar does not need to be complex. A simple document or diary with your content planned out for the month ahead is enough to help keep you organised.
Create content that inspires and empowers
Inspiration does not equal a link to your blog post or sales page – you need to truly connect. Create content that’s easy to digest, share and remember. Inspirational quotes or short stories that people connect with are both great ways to create meaningful and inspirational content, without spending a ton of time.
Focus on one or two social networks
It’s always better to start with one or two social networks where you can have a major presence, versus spreading yourself too thin across more than you have time or budget to achieve a measurable ROI.
People buy from people
People buy from people they know like and trust. When was the last time you woke up in the morning excited to talk to a logo on social media?
Invest in your personal brand and the payoffs will be significant in regards to building relationships, earning trust and growing your business.
Learn the difference between authenticity and transparency, and know that you don’t have to share everything you do 24/7 in order to build a rock-solid personal brand which generates result.
Collaborate
You don’t have to embark on your digital and social media journey all by yourself – connect with other leaders in your industry, such as influencers and highly connected thought leaders. Share their content, build relationships, then partner up for strategic, fun and inspiring co-marketing campaigns that ignite your combined audiences.
Don’t sweat the small stuff The right baby steps that are aligned to the bigger vision will ensure you that you keep winning. Don’t get down with small setbacks or short term losses. Imposter syndrome is real and can kill your creativity and confidence if you let it. You will win and you will lose deals, and even social media followers. However, the world is big, and there will be more where those came from. Stay focused on your goals, and don’t give up.
