Why Social Media Should Be Part Of Your Sales Process
Most entrepreneurs and business owners know about the importance of having a social media presence. They understand that social media platforms create an efficient way for them to identify, connect, market, educate, and entertain their target audience. That’s why they invest time, money, and resources into creating professional pages and developing marketing strategies to draw in ideal customers. For instance, online business owners who are running business on Twitter, very often they look for decent sources to buy real Twitter followers to attract more audience. However, most don’t realize how much social media can help them boost sales.
Why would you need social media if you already have a company website or eStore to complete and manage sales? While this is a common assumption, understanding how social media can boost your sales process may convince you to get on board. Continue reading to learn more.
Social Selling: What Is It?
Social selling is the process of using social media platforms to identify, engage, and even complete sells with target customers. If done correctly, you can sell on Instagram, Facebook, and other social media platforms in real-time. It provides more than one avenue for your customers to locate, shop, and purchase from your establishment. Brands that have used this approach have found it instrumental in improving customer experiences and meeting sales projections.
What Are The Advantages?
Now that you have a better understanding of what social selling is, how can it benefit your business? Below are a few advantages to consider.
- Consumer Comfort Zone – Social media is used by billions of people regularly. They’re familiar with the platform and how to navigate its features. The same cannot be said for company websites and eCommerce platforms. If a customer is unfamiliar or unaware of a site, chances are they won’t use it. Social media is a comfort zone, which enhances the overall consumer experience.
- Improved Visibility – If your target audience isn’t aware of your business or what you offer, they will not go looking for it. However, since most people are familiar and comfortable with social media, they’re likely to locate your brand. The more visible you are to your target audience, the more traffic your page receives. The more customers you get to visit your page, the more likely your company will generate leads and sales.
- Authentic Engagement – Most company websites and eCommerce platforms are designed to post your products and services. While you may have a blog or share some information on these platforms, you usually upload data, and consumers view it later. There’s also no real space for engagement. Even if you have chatbots, these are virtual robots that answer set questions.
With social selling, your interactions are genuine. You’re posting consistently and in real-time when you and the seller are likely to be online. Consumers can post comments and get feedback instantly from a live person instead of a bot that may not have the most sufficient answer.
Finally, everything you post on social media isn’t about making a sale (or at least it shouldn’t be). You’re providing all types of information, from quotes and promotional offers to demonstrations and videos which can educate and entertain your followers. When consumers don’t feel like all you care about is money, they’re more inclined to want to do business with your brand.
- Enhanced Customer Service – The key to maintaining or boosting sales is providing outstanding customer service. When your customers need assistance, you and your staff must be there to accommodate those needs. Customers expect fast and quality service, whether it’s a question about how the product or service works, an issue with using or troubleshooting, or simply wanting to provide feedback. Social media messaging platforms enable you to be there when it matters most. Instant notifications allow you to respond to questions, concerns, and comments in real-time. This reduces the likelihood of your customer becoming frustrated and ruining their experience.
Social media has been integrated into business practices for the last decade or more. While most companies see it as an affordable marketing tool, social media platforms can provide much more to your establishment. Companies that use social selling practices improve their visibility, develop stronger relationships with their customers, and enhance customer service efforts by leaps and bounds. Consider adding social media to your sales process and watch how much easier it is to accomplish your goals.