Hey, FOLLOW ME!!! It just isn’t as simple as that! To build a loyal following, one must understand a few critical rules and it all begins with putting others needs first. People, regardless to the type of business you’re in, will always be lifeline to the success or failure of your business. Building relationships with people fosters loyalty. The results of loyalty create the potential to increase profits.
Be authentic, be you. Don’t be someone you’re not. Your fans want to know who you are, so show off your personality. You have your own voice, so don’t try and be someone else’s. You must stand out from the crowd, the noise and those within your niche. That will happen once you become comfortable with who you are. There are people waiting to hear from YOU, so give them exactly that.
Be consistent and new. Every piece of content which you circulate on your social channels should be new. Your posts should also be consistent with your brand. All your posts should represent your brands persona and what it stands for. None of your posted content should stand out as uncharacteristic to your brand. Additionally, there shouldn’t be many duplications of posts. Even if you don’t have any new content to post in terms of an article, you can at least post a new picture or update. Don’t keep your fans guessing on your return.
Understand your platform. Every social media platform has its own distinction, with a unique functionality and a unique type of demographic user. It is important to customize your posting and interaction style with each platform. Familiarize yourself with your fans and what they prefer to see on each of the specific platforms and deliver to their desires strategically. Not doing so can lead to a loss of followers as they will feel left out as your posts aren’t catering to their needs.
Drive consistent value. Creating social loyalty is more than just engagement and providing entertainment. If you want your followers to keep coming back, you’ll need to consistently provide some type of value to them. This value can be dependent on your followers. For some, it might be offer, discounts or something tied to financial incentives. For others, it may just be informative posts, tips or simple know-hows. Regardless to what it might be, your followers should benefit from remaining a part of your audience. Deliver the value add before looking for the sale.
Pay attention and listen. It is very important to hear out your followers and understand what it is that they are looking for. Speak less and listen more. Everyone wants and deserves to be heard, and that includes your followers. If you don’t listen to them, someone else will and that someone will be your competition. When someone responds to one of your posts or replies to a comment, respond to them. Let them know that what they are saying is heard, especially if their comment is in the form of constructive feedback. If your fans are asking for a specific content, provide it to them. Let them know that hear what they’re saying and that you appreciate their involvement and value opinion.
Leave no unresolved problems or concerns. Periodically, you will have people complain to you via social media. This could be due to something you said or an action your business took. Do not ignore this! Never let a voiced concern go unresolved. Work the problem out however you can, even if you can’t win back the customer. This will demonstrate that you are willing to do anything to make the situation right. This action will gain you more respect, which in turn will create more loyalty from your following.
Involve your followers. Too often, people and business post content which doesn’t allow for a discussion or feedback from their followers. Involving your followers is crucial in building a loyal following. Post content which is information but will also allow the opportunity for feedback and conversation. Post content asking your audience their opinions on various topics. This will keep the engaged and will also allow your insight on their interests. Using surveys or contests is also a great way to keep them involved. Put the spotlight on and acknowledge those special members for making their consistent presence seen.
These steps are only the beginning guidelines to gaining and retaining a loyal following and should also be basis of your social media strategy. Remember, it’s not just about attracting to followers, but also retaining and delivering to those who currently follow you. Put your fans first and watch how your follow will grow.
