As a small business owner, you should get the most out of social media networks. It is one of the easiest and the most effective ways to reach out to potential customers. However, you don’t have to spend a fortune on that. There are plenty of methods to promote your business for free on social media. Let’s take a look at 7 such FREE strategies you can try.
1. Optimize Social Media Profiles
The first step is to thoroughly optimize your business’s social media profiles. Craft an impactful description of your brand. Use relevant keywords that prospects may search for. Add links to your website, online store, or booking platforms. Upload a professional profile and cover photo along with other relevant images. Provide complete and accurate contact information. Include your location if you have a physical store. Optimized profiles establish credibility and allow you to stand out.
2. Post Valuable Content Regularly
Consistently share engaging posts like behind-the-scenes content, “how-to” videos, inspirational quotes, industry news, etc. Post 2-3 times per day but avoid spamming followers. 85% of content should educate, entertain or inspire followers. Remember, social media is about starting conversations so as to ensure high quality over quantity. Use relevant hashtags so your content is discoverable. Compelling content keeps followers interested and spreads brand awareness organically.
3. Interact With Your Audience
Social media allows direct conversations with your audience. Respond promptly to comments and messages. Ask for feedback and input through polls and surveys. Share user-generated content such as customers posts about your business. This level of engagement humanizes your brand and boosts loyalty. You can also gain valuable insights to improve products or services.
4. Collaborate With Industry Influencers
Industry influencers like bloggers already have an established audience. Collaborating through giveaways or content creation leverages their reach. Ensure there is synergy between your brand and the influencer. Understand their followers and the kind of content they consume. Clear communication about expectations and benefits for both parties is vital.
5. Use Contests and Giveaways
Contests, giveaways and sweepstakes attract attention rapidly. Offer free or discounted products, gift cards, etc. as prizes to increase followers and leads. Promote the contests through online ads and influencer posts. Make the steps to participate very simple. Announce winners across your social platforms for maximum impact. Personalized prizes can help form deeper connections with fans.
6. Use Built-In Ad Options
Social platforms offer excellent paid ad options that can be very cost-effective for small businesses. For example, Facebook ads allow precise targeting by location, age, interests, behaviors and more to ensure they reach the right people. Start small to test response. Measure data like cost per lead or sale to optimize spend for ROI. While not free, built-in ads can deliver huge returns on investment if leveraged correctly.
7. Share Content Across Multiple Networks
To maximize impact, share your best-performing posts across different platforms. For example, an informative blog post can be reformatted into shorter posts for Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Similarly, snippet videos made for Instagram can be adapted for YouTube and Facebook as well. This repurposing of content in suitable formats increases the exposure across the networks’ unique audiences. This is where you should focus more on social media networks where there are more potential customers. It can add more value to your efforts.
Get Started Today!
As you can see, you don’t have to spend money on these strategies to promote your business on social media. All you have to do is to be consistent in your interactions with potential customers. It will eventually help you to drive more revenue on your way and boost your profits.
