If you could create your own fantasy board of directors, who would be on it? CO— connects you with thought leaders from across the business spectrum and asks them to help solve your biggest business challenges. In this edition, we ask an expert about how to sell products and services on social media.
In this edition of “Ask the Board,” we spoke to Daniel Johnson, Owner of Levels, LLC, the “leading destination for fashion-forward individuals seeking high-end clothing items.” Daniel shares his tips on how entrepreneurs and small business owners can successfully sell their offerings on social media:
Social media is an invaluable tool, no matter what you sell. Here’s how I was able to leverage social media to sell a variety of apparel and take my fashion brand to new heights.
Understand your target audience
First and foremost, research and identify the demographics, interests, and preferences of your potential customers. This will help you tailor your marketing messages and product offerings to specifically appeal to them.
Create high-quality content
Invest in professional photography and consider showcasing your products on models or in lifestyle settings. Visual content is crucial for capturing the attention of social media users and encouraging them to make a purchase.
Be mindful not to overwhelm your audience with excessive promotional content. Find a balance between showcasing your products and engaging with your followers through other valuable content, such as informative posts, behind-the-scenes glimpses, or user-generated content.
First and foremost, research and identify the demographics, interests, and preferences of your potential customers.
Daniel Johnson, Owner of Levels, LLC
Focus on customer service and engage with your audience
Offer exceptional support to your customers by promptly answering their inquiries, addressing their concerns, and providing personalized assistance. This will help build trust and loyalty. Regularly interact with your followers by responding to comments, messages, and mentions. Remember that building relationships with your customers will foster loyalty and encourage them to share positive experiences with others!
Collaborate, collaborate, and collaborate
Collaborate with influencers, industry experts, or satisfied customers to promote your brand on social media. This can expand your reach, increase brand awareness, and drive sales. Identify individuals who are passionate about your brand and offer them exclusive benefits in exchange for promoting your products.
These benefits may be in the form of discounts, free merchandise, or early access to new releases. You can also partner with complementary brands to host joint promotions or cross-promote each other's products. This strategy will allow you to tap into each other's customer base and reach new potential buyers.
Keep the spotlight on your brand instead of you
While sharing the passion behind your brand is important, don’t commingle! When selling products on social media from an entrepreneur's perspective, it’s essential to focus on the brand rather than your personal presence. Keeping your business page separate from your personal social media accounts is professional and reduces confusion among your audience.
Your marketing efforts should emphasize what your audience can gain from your products and what your brand represents. Instead of highlighting the people behind the scenes, spotlight the style, quality, and unique value of the product/brand to build a strong, customer-focused brand identity that resonates with potential buyers on social media platforms.
Analyze and optimize your performance
Use social media analytics tools to track the performance of your posts and campaigns. Identify which content resonates best with your audience and adjust as necessary to improve your overall marketing strategy.
CO— aims to bring you inspiration from leading respected experts. However, before making any business decision, you should consult a professional who can advise you based on your individual situation.
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