How to use social media effectively to reach the customers?

This week’s topic is social media and stakeholders. I am gonna briefly talk about how social media could benefit customer relations in business world.

First, Create content that displays expertise to develop trust among customers

•       Clarify, research and listen to targeted customers——－who is your target customers, what’s their characteristics, listen to what customers are saying regarding your business-related products, and problems they face with products and services can help solve.

•        Create content in value to customers

•        Repurpose content by breaking longer articles into smaller posts for company blog and announce it by using the agency’s Twitter handle which is a two-way communication with the customers

Second, Having something for customers to gain from your social media will engage customers more effectively. E.g. free music, the latest deal or info on the products they want. Apple did a great job regarding this. Today, the Apple Students Fan Page integrated links to Apple deals, new updates and Facebook applications, and provides links to top movies, TV shows and songs for iTunes download.

Third, companies can use social media to drive campaign, new product launch, and promotional activity. Here are two takeaways regarding social media campaign.

·      Provide tools that not only help to manage the brand’s identity, but communicate with loyal “friends” and strengthen the brand’s relevance.  Last July, everyone in the Pink Facebook community was invited to “Pinkapalooza” to celebrate the launch of Pink’s back-to-school College Collection. Facebook friends downloaded the invitation online, then participated in games and contests via mobile while at the event.

·      Develop innovative creative such as using technology or content. E.g. applications related to your companies.

·      Another practice all communicators should always bear in mind is that hold a two-way communication with customers. Appoint real persons to speak with customers, “customers want to hear from a person who have a personality, a voice that connects with them. They also want to know you are a professional. That means you need to be familiar with your company culture, news Develop relationships with potential clients, existing customers and business partners by responding to their “likes” or comments on the social media page, then engage with followers by thanking them for their responses.