In past social media workshops I’ve taught, the most popular questions I get are usually along these lines:
How do I get more followers?
How do I get more people to like me?
What can I do to get more eyes watching my videos?
While there isn’t really a magic formula to getting “liked” online, it’s important to never forget that just because more business is being done virtually doesn’t mean that the old rules of marketing and selling no longer apply.
I look at my newsfeeds and see too many people who just push out information robotically, expecting this to be enough to get them liked. Now more than ever, you should never underestimate the power of human touch in engaging people.
Think about it this way:
Two fruit stand sellers are trying to sell their products to a person strolling by. One seller just shouts out what kind of fruit they have and how much it costs. The other seller asks the person how their day has been, what kind of fruit they like and takes the time to genuinely answer the customer’s questions.
Who do you think that customer is going to buy from at the end of the day?
When you do your best to show that you care about what your followers are interested in, listen to your fans’ problems and make a genuine effort to try and solve them, you end up standing out way more.
If you need a place to start to get into the engagement swing of things, one of my 8 R’s for Twitter Newbies is to Relate:
If someone does something nice for you, thank them.
If someone asks a question and you can help, answer them.
If someone shares something that solved your problem, acknowledge them.
If you can connect people who need to meet, introduce them.
It really is as simple as that!
What have you done to stand out online? Share your experience with me in the comments or via Facebook or Twitter!
Photo Credit: Kitsap Sun
Elena is founder of a technology PR agency that works with startups to billion-dollar companies. She is passionate about helping marketers and small business owners with practical publicity strategies.
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Nice!! Really simple tip and small post, different from others. You care for someone if they care for you, simple formula. In social media start solving problems or suggest solutions you will see increase in # of followers.
Aanchal @ Website Design India´s last [type] ..Website Design in India
Very well said… All those things are really true. It is as simple as be nice if you want others to be nice on to you too… Very simple formula, yet very interesting to apply.
nikkiezach@driverupdate´s last [type] ..Realtex Driver Download
These really are good tips. I get way to caught up in just sending out emails where I just personalize the subject line only. A personal touch would probably help a lot.
givejonadollar.com´s last [type] ..Jon’s Wisdom – #2 – How to do the Dishes (For the Bachelors)
Oh, thank you for this. Nothing is more frustrating than following a brand or business I like on a social media outlet only to have information just thrown at me. It is amazing how people simply forget about engaging their audience. I have to say, I think a lot of this comes from just overall poor internet etiquette. Just think of how many times you have personally witnessed someone saying something online that you know they would never say face to face. Businesses do the same thing by conducting themselves in a way online that is contrary to basic principles of relationship building or selling.
Do you feel like maybe if organizations would put a face or name behind their posts, it would help combat this impersonal feeling? For example, I’ve seen some pages where posts are signed off on by a staff member. Or, do you think followers simply don’t care about that?
Sara – I know what you mean. I recently unsubscribed to a favorite brand of mine because I couldn’t stand their email promotions. I agree with your thoughts on putting a name behind posts. I know I find it weird to talk to a logo
but maybe that is just me. We want to feel like we are talking to a real person behind that logo don’t we? Thanks for stopping by.
Simple tips are often the best! Thanks Elena.
Dan´s last [type] ..They aren’t going to marry you just because you bought them some shots at the bar
Good post! Not short, simple and very easy to understand.
It is really important to interact with your fans or followers.
Flexispy Reviews´s last [type] ..Flexispy Reviews – What Can Flexispy Do?
[...] Stand Out and Get Liked Online by Elena Verlee [...]
Great post! I work for a company right now that has taught me the being a polite, honest, real person is far greater than any “deal” someone might throw at you. You wouldn’t believe the amount of clients I’ve won over with a smile here or a “thank you” there rather than a price tag.
[...] Title: Stand out and get liked online [...]
WOW! Amazing post, I always appreciate these kind of posts. I hope people will be able to understand value of these kind of posts.
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