To get noticed and hang onto customers amongst a sea of competitors, it pays to be aware of your online reputation. Changing the way your brand appears in search engines is important in developing a reputation. Social media is one of the biggest, if not the biggest platform for sharing opinions and experiences. If a user has something bad to say about an experience they may post about that experience on Facebook. It is likely to then be shared and seen by a host of potential customers.
On the other hand, a positive experience can be shared in a similar way. Those viral reviews making the rounds on Facebook, celebrating the brilliant customer experience, are prime examples of how social media is a platform for promoting a business. With such a varied user base, social media offers the chance to reach people in real- time. It makes sense to take advantage of this platform to build your business’s online reputation.
Being selective with social media platforms
Depending on the type of business, from large companies to start- up, the social media strategy will differ. It’s important to remember that not every platform will have the same aim. Each are used for a different reason and by different people.
is great for sending out short, snappy posts and promoting an existing link, given the limit of 140 letters per Tweet.
relies on a brand being chatty and creating relationships with those ‘liking’ the page. Although it can be a slippery slope, paying for likes and paid posts should not be prioritised over regular, quality posts.
has become one of the most used platforms in business. With it’s easy functionality of taking a photo and posting it not falling short of simplicity. Photos can be sponsored and promoted to the top of a feed.
is a low effort but high-return platform.. It has the simplicity in terms of finding existing content and sorting into relevant ‘boards’. This then encourages people to participate in the pinning around certain trends and themes.
Google+
is great for bringing people together and creating new passionate groups, for sharing shared interests and content.
encourages users to share posts around anything relevant to their industry, whilst building a network of like-minded professionals.
Snapchat
is being used by businesses to send out photos and videos, without reusing the content (unless screenshotted). This requires time and creativity to engage and hang onto new followers once the initial snap has hooked them.
similar to Google+, relies on communities and encourages original content to be produced and discussed. Great for starting conversations around an experience, topic or brand
Set aims and a time frame
Setting aims and objectives for your business’s online presence provides you with something to measure and track against. It helps you stay on track with your business’s goals. Once you know where you’re heading, a time frame is important to measure how you are doing. You can then make sure everything is in place to begin building a reputation.
Networking within industry
Networking with people and organisations within your industry is crucial in establishing your brand. You should consider how you present yourself, the company and what you would like to get from connections. Building relationships and connections can be beneficial to establish your brand as a contender and source of information.It also presents your business for a potential partnership opportunity.
Social media platforms are pivotal in starting conversation within your industry. This is because it makes it easier to have an honest real time conversation. This builds the foundation of connectivity and relevance. Sharing content, ideas and news will present your brand at the forefront of information. It helps to demonstrate your relevance in the everyday.
We are experts in all things digital! If you would like to build your company’s reputation through social media marketing, why not get in touch with us!
Atelier is an award winning digital marketing agency covering the south of England