I resist writing about using social media, because I find that many (most?) new business crafters get totally distracted trying to get it “right”. So before I go any further, let me totally clear: It is MUCH more important for you to make your product and make it available for sale, with clear compelling descriptions and photographs.
Get really good at doing that, consistently, before you worry about other tools. Seriously.
That said, I get asked about Instagram, Pinterest or (to a lesser degree) Twitter in every Flight Plan Session, by established business owners. Over the last year, I've written up answers to the most-asked questions, so today I'm going to collect it all in one place.
1. Know why.
If you're going to use social media for “business” purposes (and not just chatting with your internet friends), make sure it aligns with your overall goals and your you-filled brand. I go into detail on how to do this in my book, along with how to experiment with different tools to find one that works for you.
2. Make it a part of your Customer Path.
“This pathway of connection includes absolutely every way you interact with people who may or may not be your right people – your blog, email newsletter, social media, guest posts, sales pages, and (once they cross over into Right People territory and pay for something), your connection pathway continues through your products, classes, clubs, retreats.”
Read about creating this path here.
3. Instagram for Winning Friends and Influencing Buyers.
“The magic of Instagram is that it feels personal. It allows you a peek into my world, through my eyes. Instead of approximating the beauty (or quirkiness) of what I’m looking at with words, I can quickly show you.”
Today I've got a post on how to use Instagram in your business, over at Sarah Von Bargen's site.
You can read the whole thing here.
4. Do something with all your Pinterest followers.
In reply to a question I received, I put together four ideas (via video!) on using your Pinterest account. You can watch it here.
Remember: You might not need social media.
“Social media is not the solution to your business problem.
It is not going to quickly improve anything (in fact, it’s going to take time to build an audience, time that might be better spent on building a community of buyers.)”
You can read the rest of this post here.
Got a social media question? Ask it in the comments and I'll answer!