Social media does not typically act as a huge sales driver. It is, however, a great way to reinforce your brand, look big, and stay top of mind among customers. The key is to not take yourself so seriously. Social media should be easy.
So how do you do this? Here are our top five tips to get you comfortable.
Tip #1 – Get Started!
Bite the bullet and just do it. People want to connect with brands they like and are more inclined to share, like, or comment on posts that sound like they are coming from an actual human. This could be as easy as sharing helpful cooking tips, a funny anecdote from the day, or your favorite product recipes. Start slowly and find a comfortable level of sharing who you are with the people who may eventually be customers. We’ve put together a list of pros and cons of each social network for food businesses for you to reference.
Tip #2 – Use A Social Media Management Tool
The best way to stay engaged on social media is to use a social media management tool. We like to use Sprout Social*. With a management tool, you can easily schedule out posts, track mentions, and view your audience demographics. Your social media strategy should contain a mix of 20% business content and 80% fun and informative stuff that targets your audience. Don’t let this overwhelm you. All you have to do is start small and be consistent.
Tip #3 – Prioritize Social Media Platforms
There is no need to spread yourself thin by trying to interact on every social media platform. Start by considering the top three – Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter. Each platform has a wide reach and has its own tone. Do some research and figure out which social media sites your business should be on.
- Facebook is casual and informal
- LinkedIn is business-like and formal
- Twitter is great for brief content and conversations
- Pinterest and Instagram are great for sharing photos (especially useful in the food industry)
- Snapchat is great for promo codes and behind the scenes content
Tip #4 – Manage Your Marketing Expectations
It takes time to build a following, so don’t give up if you don’t initially get the response you’re hoping for. It can take months to build a social media following that consists of a true fan-base. Also, know that you will receive criticism. This is normal and unavoidable. Keep your responses positive and keep truckin’.
Tip #5 – Have Fun!
Having a social media presence should be easy. If it’s not, you’re doing it wrong. Don’t take yourself too seriously and make sure you try experimenting with different kinds of posts. If you’re having fun, chances are, so is your audience.
What’s your favorite way to have fun on social media? Comment below or shoot us a message. We’d love to hear from you!
*As users of Sprout Social, this is our affiliate link.