It’s not difficult to recognize the success that social media networks have had in the last decade. That success has opened the doors to something even greater. In general, the possibility for companies to promote their products and services has never been so simple. Social media e-commerce is the mix of online shopping and social media channels. However, not all businesses are taking advantage of the opportunities that await them in this case. This is probably because they are not sure of the benefits that social media in e-commerce may get them. So, take a look.
Why you should use social media in e-commerce:
Product reviews
When it comes to creating positive hype around certain products and/or services, nothing can beat social media in e-commerce. Before social media networks existed, businesses had to rely solely on traditional marketing efforts and the minimum reach of positive feedback. However, these days, social media channels do an incredible job of pushing your goods and reaching your target audience. Of course, it’s all about proper social media marketing and professional business practices. It’s very easy to promote your products/services on social media, especially considering the strong connection you can create with your audience.
Immediate purchase notifications
Another powerful aspect of social media in e-commerce is the fact that when a consumer makes a purchase, people within their respective groups will receive a notification that one of their friends has made a purchase of something that they may be interested in as well. How powerful is that? Even more interesting is the fact that social media users can also recommend the products/services they like or find interesting to their friends on the same network because they feel that they can benefit from them too. Online social media shopping at its best.
Content marketing
Years ago, online marketers had to test the markets with sample products and services to know exactly where to target and push their products the most. Not anymore. Consumers are actually creating content based on user needs. Brand owners, like you, have to do nothing more than offer the same kind of content together with the products/services. The content that is being created by consumers is usually good quality, fresh and extremely valuable for their and other people’s shopping experience. That’s why it’s so successful. This is why you have to make the most out of content marketing yourself.
That being said, don’t forget to include a relevant blog on your e-commerce website. Don’t just market your products/services but talk about them as if you were a consumer writing about your own experience. Once the blog post is published, you can further push it on your social media pages for more exposure. This is a powerful tool for any business owner. If you’re still not taking advantage of social networking and online shopping, it’s time to do just that.
The success of your online store greatly depends on your social media brand personality
Customers want to support honest and kind brands
You have probably heard of numerous brands that owe their current popularity to their social media brand personality. In general, people are more likely to support and trust a brand that’s not afraid to engage with them on social media and knows how to state an honest opinion. On the other hand, brands that are overly snarky and involve themselves with too much drama are not all that well received by their audience. What’s more, humorous posts and a friendly brand image are more than likely to get you loyal customers.
Shared content shows your social media brand personality
As you’re probably already aware, you need to be very consistent with your social media posting; even more so than with your blog. Therefore, apart from your own articles, you should publish other articles, social media graphics, quotes, images, videos, etc. However, your content and your behavior will portray your social media brand personality. Use the content, and especially video clips, to showcase the friendly and approachable nature of your brand. Make sure to respond to questions, partake in joking conversations, use relatable and funny GIFs as well as talk about important events within your community/industry. To avoid backlash, never make fun of your competitors or your customers. Using slang and talking about politics is not going to be well received either.
Don’t forget to check your audience demographics so that you can always work on adjusting your content for them bit by bit. What’s more, even though it may affect your SEO positively, just posting regularly on social media without any visible engagement on your part won’t help you earn the trust and respect of your prospective customers. An e-commerce business cannot sacrifice their brand personality over web positioning or vice versa.
