Madi Mack:
As of last year, 82% of Americans use some form of social media. That's almost double the number of people who watch cable TV. With this being said, it's clear that social media marketing deserves consideration in your advertising budget, but where do you start?
I've compiled some growing retail brands, most frequently asked questions about social media advertising, influencer marketing, community management, and more. Stay tuned for answers.
The audience for my retail brand is older. Do I really need to be on social media?
The short answer is yes. Audiences of all ages are on social media. There's daily conversation happening about your industry online, so don't miss the party.
How much should I spend on social media advertising?
There's no one size fits all for social ad spend. Review your budget and your marketing objectives to determine what percentage of your budget should support social media apps. One of the best ways to do this is by working with a marketing partner who can help make recommendations based on your goals and help you get the most from your marketing budget.
What are KPIs? Which ones should my retail brand care about?
KPI stands for key performance indicator. Social media KPIs that will measure value to your retail brand include audience growth, impressions, video views, engagement, web conversions, and more. It's important to understand which KPIs are really addressing your goals. Views and likes are nice, but if you're looking for conversions, make sure that your data is telling you whether your social media strategy is moving your audience down the sales funnel.
Will views get me sales?
Yes and no. Successful social media content should have a targeting goal for each post. That goal may be awareness or conversions, which could lead to leads. A mix of each layer of the sales funnel is important for a well-rounded social account.
Is influencer marketing really worth it for home retail brands?
In the same way you may ask a friend for a recommendation, users look to influencers for product information, engage with content creators or influencers to support your business, no matter the industry.
How can my brand's social media get more followers?
Being social on social media is the best way to gain followers. This includes regular community management and community building and an endless supply of engaging content. Posting good, consistent content can be a lot of work. If your business doesn't have the bandwidth to give your account this kind of attention, you might want to consider a marketing partner.
How often do I need to post if I'm trying to build a following for my brand?
Posting consistently is more important than post frequency. However often you have the resources to post, weekly or more, do so without elapse.
What can you do about people who leave rude or false comments on my brand's social media?
Respond. Most negative social comments stem from a lack of education on your product or process. Kindly share your knowledge and invite the user to learn more. Hiding or deleting comments can come off as inauthentic. Turn negativity into a learning moment if at all possible.
Finally, is paid advertising worth it?
Yes, social media has become saturated. Give your content and page a boost by supporting it with ad spend. It's one of the best ways to reach new audiences and grow your engagement, especially as you're building your audience.
So there we have it for this round of your social media frequently asked questions. If you have a question we didn't cover today or would like advice about your unique retail situation, we'd love to hear from you. Leave us a comment or drop us a line through salesfactory.com. You may hear your question answered in a future video. See you next time, and until then, stay social.