Mama Says: Mind Your Social Media Manners

One of the most common faux pas we find when reviewing a client’s SM is shocking in its simplicity. It goes something like this: 
Lovely, on-brand photo, check! Fun and entertaining caption, check!  Relevant hashtags added, check! Throughout the busy work day, you hear chime after delightful chime as your phone lights up with notifications - likes and comments galore – YAY! 
This same ritual occurs for several days until the notifications become fewer and far between, while comments disappear altogether. 
Why the crickets? 
Because someone forgot that using social media means you need to actually be social! 

Get a comment? Wonderful! Now treat it EXACTLY as you would if a customer had walked in to your brick & mortar store - respond! You would never in a million years stare blankly back at a client or customer in real life, right? Build your online community the same way you’ve cultivated your loyal following IRL. 
Here’s a handy list of quick tips to keep in mind:

See a comment on your post? That means you've hit the mark - seize the opportunity to engage! 

​Offer a genuine response; keep it positive and uplifting. Liking the comment is nice, responding is much better as it builds trust, relationships and encourages future engagement.  

Cultivate community. Engaging with one comment can lead to bigger conversations because when one person gets a response, others are more likely to join in the fun. And don’t forget – what goes around, comes around, so find accounts you love and comment on posts that give you all the right feels.

Include. Create a relevant “branded” hashtag for customers to use. When they share their love of your product or services and include your hashtag, you’ve expanded your reach exponentially. Take it a step further by reposting some of this user generated content (UGC). Bonus, there’s no finer form of flattery than someone sharing a post you’ve created. (Just be sure to give credit where credit is due - use proper attribution when posting.)

Ask a question. People using social media love to be asked their opinion, so give the people what they want. Take advantage of Instagram (and Facebook) Stories as well as Twitter Polls. You get feedback and engagement, win-win!

Listen to your audience because they ARE your customer! Bottom line, engagement is not optional on Social Media. Start with responding, ask questions, embrace opportunities to connect - it’s the essence of why you are there, so have fun and you’ ll build an amazing, responsive community.

via GIPHY