Your profile needs to be active and up to date
Take a look at your social media profiles that reflect your professional career (such as LinkedIn, Twitter, or a professional Instagram page). Does the page properly reflect your skills and give the viewer a solid understanding of what you offer? Here are some ways you can step up your game on your social media profiles.
Here are some tips for setting up your social media profile page
- Profile pic: Make sure your face takes up 60% of the frame, or we will not be able to tell what you look like when we meet you in person!
- Bio: Some social media bios have character limits. This means you need to stick to the most important information, which is what you do and who you serve. If your bio or about section does not have a character limit, try to tell the reader a story. Tell us about the beginning of your career, the middle, and where you are today. You can also mention some of your personal hobbies or passions.
- Educate yourself: Every social media platform is different, but the great news is there are so many resources to educate yourself on ways to succeed. While you are setting up your profile, make sure to also research your chosen social media platform to discover ways to step up your game.
Sharing is caring
Now that your profile is all set up…your job is NOT done. It’s just begun! Now it is time to share content and engage with your followers.
Check out this advice for sharing social media content.
- Be consistent: It doesn’t end after one post. You must keep sharing content in order to grow. Find a consistent rhythm that works for you (twice a week, five times a week, etc.)
- Be engaging: In addition to sharing insightful or entertaining content, you also need to engage with your audience. Like their posts, leave comments, or give them shoutouts!
- Be professional: Remember, if you are using your social media presence for selling, it’s important to remain professional at all times.
Spam is so two-thousand and late
Did you know people now include emojis in their LinkedIn names because they are so overwhelmed by spam? Examples of spam include immediately messaging a new connection with a sales pitch or adding someone to an email list without their permission. Not to mention, GDPR has serious consequences for companies that do not follow certain privacy practices.
Success does not happen overnight
People have high expectations for social media. We want to think that after we set up our profile and share content for a couple of months that sales will just come our way! The truth is, social media is a part of your “long game” for engaging with people. Stick with it. It takes time. The golden rules of selling still apply on social media like don’t take resistance personally, understand your product, listen to your customers, and follow up with people.
Follow relevant hashtags
If you don’t know what a hashtag is, that’s okay. This article explains it perfectly. Once you understand what a hashtag is, it’s time to follow relevant ones. Here are the types of hashtags you should be following.
- Follow hashtags that are relevant to you
- Follow hashtags that are relevant to your client
- Follow hashtags that are relevant to your clie
- Follow hashtags that are relevant to your client’s needs
- Follow hashtags that are relevant to your client’s needs
Check out Twitter for advanced searches
One of the coolest features of Twitter is the ability to conduct advanced searches on almost any topic you can imagine. Next time you are on Twitter, try using these advanced search tactics to find potential new customers or common questions related to your product.
- Search for “what you are your thoughts on” “keyword”
- Search for “does anyone recommend” “keyword”
For example, if you sell fishing gear, go to Twitter and search “what are your thoughts on” “fishing gear”. This will show you tweets that include both of those phrases (i.e. What are your thoughts on the best fishing gear for the winter?).
Do not miss out on LinkedIn
If you are in the sales industry, you have heard all the hype about LinkedIn. That’s because it’s the largest professional network. You can use LinkedIn to build up your professional credibility by sharing relevant articles, writing blogs, going live, and following relevant people.
People do not want to be sold things on social media
You are probably thinking, “If people don’t want to be sold things on social media, why even bother? And why is everyone spending money on social media ads?” The trick is to really think about the reasons people are on social media. They’re not there to learn about your product release or new offer. People use social media for fun, engaging content and news. You need to get creative and make YOUR message relevant to the fun and fast-paced world of social media.
Even social media influencers need sales systems
Easier said than done but do not be intimidated by people with tons of followers. Tons of followers does not mean tons of sales. Your best bet for succeeding on social media is to incorporate it into a sales system that already exists. Think of social media as a high funnel opportunity to generate leads. Leverage other materials and opportunities (such as blogs, webinars, demo calls) to push your leads further down the funnel.
Provide value and people will return the favor
When it comes to social media, there is no such thing as sharing too much value. Share tips, interesting articles, and helpful advice that is meaningful to your client. Engage with potential client’s content by liking and commenting on their posts. Share updates about your product and be the go-to source of information about your company. Doing this will create a sense of trust with current and potential clients, making them more likely to call you the next time they need your help!
Are you ready to become a top sales professional? Follow us on LinkedIn for more sales tips, and check out our Interactive Learning System where you can learn a systematic and repeatable sales system.