The role that social media plays in the buying process of customers is growing, as is its direct influence on purchasing decisions. With 76% of the Irish population deemed as an active social media user, shoppers are increasingly turning to ‘social’ to discover new brands, products, and services. This is good news for your company and potential future sales. According to recent figures, approx. 90% of consumers will purchase from a brand they have chosen to follow on a social media platform. When future products are purchased as a result, this ultimately results in brand loyalty. Additionally, your followers are more likely to choose your brand over that of a rival, visit your physical store, and take other actions that boost sales. We have compiled a list of 6 simple steps help boost sales via social media:
1. Natural posting No, this reference to organic does not mean home grown & pesticide free! It means your run of the mill everyday post on your social media platform – No ads! No endorsements. straightforward posting. Even though it might be very tempting to use social media as a second platform to constantly promote your products to customers, this is not what social media is supposed to be about. Utilizing real-life imagery, examples of your work or product, or user-generated content if it is available to you is much more interesting and rewarding. Sell yourself in an interesting way. User generated content is your consumers engaging with or using your products (you must of course get their permission to use this). Always make sure to track how your posts perform on your insights page on each social media platform you are using. Once you find out a method that works for your business, amplify this type of posting style as much as you can. On our blog, “A Retailers guide to Organic Social Posting,” you can learn some posting tips. 2. Use the correct platform for your business
A good tip for making the most of your dedicated social time is to concentrate on 1-2 platforms, rather than using up precious time building multiple accounts which may not be of any benefit to your business. Although you can absolutely be on each and every social channel, remember to err on the side of caution by not spreading your resources too thinly. Better to do one or two things well than to try to present on every platform. Let’s go through some of the most popular platforms in Ireland:
Facebook the most used social media platform with approx. 2.7 billion users worldwide. In Ireland this platform is used most by 25-34 bracket, with 64% using their mobile phone to login
Instagram’s audience typically consists mostly of millennial market. Content should be aesthetically pleasing with a strong focus on stories and reels.
Snapchat focused predominantly on a younger audience. Content on snapchat are mostly short real-life videos.
Twitter is known for short (280 characters) but sweet messages, and in recent years has become increasingly with supermarket chains baiting each other. (Very enjoyable to read) LinkedIn is used for business professionals, job seekers and B2B connection.
YouTube world number one video hosting website
TikTok unleash your brand’s creative side with attention grabbing informative (under 1 minute) videos.
3. Create a commerce manager
A must have for ecommerce business owners is a commerce manager this is where you will manage your catalog and shop for Facebook and Instagram. You can create a catalog in the commerce manager to upload your products manually or from a feed. For more information, see our previous blog: How do I add products to my Facebook and Instagram shop? 4. Distribute your store. Within your commerce manager there is a shop section. This is where you can personalise how your shop on Facebook and Instagram will look to your consumers. Create categories for your products, pick a theme, and even decide which ones customers will see first! Edit the style of your shop to match your brand – including features such as: font size, button colour and accents.
5. Tag your products in your posts
Once your catalog is setup you will gain access to a useful tool called product tagging. After uploading your photo or video simply tap the shopping icon and search your product time, click done tagging and save. This very simple step increases the customer buying experience. They can tap on the tag and see all the relevant info instantaneously along with a direct link to buy from your website.
6. Use paid ads
To pay or not to pay? A question nearly always considered before stepping into the realm of paid social media advertising. If social media is free, why am I paying for it?
Its as simple as the three Rights – Right time, Right Place Right Person. With paid ads you can set a schedule show them in certain places to a specific audience. Although some business can flourish if they build up a dedicated following the majority out there will need the help of paid advertising to help grow their business on social platforms. A combination of good organic posting paired with a strategic ad setup is a good plan to help achieve your business goals.
