Tips to Build an Engaged User Community

social media followingIt is difficult, if almost impossible, to get around social media. It’s everywhere. Since most businesses have to use it in some form or another, following are a few tips to get started.

Websites, blogs and social media begs for loyal fans and engaged users, but getting it is not easy. Here are some tips to grow your fan base:

Be authentic and positive
Ensure that your commenters and posters are “saying something nice” and avoid the snarky ones. Include a disclaimer that lets users know that comments that are disrespectful will be removed.

Balance usefulness and fun
Make your social media page useful to users but also fun to use. If they’re enjoying your content, they’ll not only come back, they’ll leave more comments, “likes” and posts. If it’s useful but not fun, they won’t return.

Stick with your demographic
Don’t try to appeal to everyone—you’ll wind up alienating your core target market. Make it a place where your community feels at home, from the language you use to the photos you post.

Communicate your value proposition
Let your users know why they should come back. There has to be something of value for them to do so.

Don’t ask users to spam their friends
Asking them to import their Facebook friends no longer works. People are tired of it and don’t want to do your marketing.

If you’re new to the social media game, these easy steps should help. If you have questions or need assistance, please give us a call.

Spending Your Marketing Dollars on Branding

Have you ever gone to a website to look up a product and the website was just awful? The company may have a great product or provide excellent service, but their website is not reflective of either.

Marketing expert Karen Leland, contributor on Entrepreneur Online, shares tips on why you should hire the best people to do the job.

She gives the example about websites. Skimping on your website can cost you more in the long run, so spend your marketing dollars wisely. Price is important – but don’t sacrifice quality for the sake of the dollar. If Designer One is more expensive but provides a better deliverable – then hire them. Don’t select Designer Two because he’s cheaper, but you know his/her work isn’t as great as Designer One. Do not short change yourself.

Your website should be a reflection of you. Everything you would say to a prospective client should be on your website.

Click here to view a short video. You will save money by not having to make up for what the company messed up.