Social media continues to play a vital role for businesses looking at improving their image and brand loyalty online. Tapping into your social media market and communicating with followers is no longer an option – it is a must do.
Why are loyal followers so important in the first place?
Loyal followers will engage with your posts, share your content, visit your website, purchase from you, recommend your product or services and keep coming back for more. That could make all the difference to your business’ bottom line. Building brand loyalty depends on your ability to leverage the power of your social media audience to build connections with your prospects and customers.
Many businesses only focus on increasing their number of followers. But quantity isn’t always quality. There’s little point of having 1,000 followers if 95% of them are silent and don’t interact or care about your brand most of the time.
Interacting with customers on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and other social media platforms is crucial for converting leads to customers and loyal followers who keep coming back to purchase your products and services – your brand ambassadors.
The internet and social media have opened up the world of endless competition. Consumers can look up information and options in a flash. If you don’t give your followers a compelling reason to stay with your brand you will lose them. Whereas a great experience with your brand will get them commenting, liking, sharing and instantly amount to free and unlimited exposure.
Here are the simple tips to keep your followers hooked and coming back for more:
Answer questions in a timely manner
If your followers ask questions, responding quickly is sure to win their respect. You’ve not just given them personal attention and the information they need but also proven to be reliable and committed to helping your customers.
Acknowledge comments and feedback
Your followers take the effort to comment on your posts and content you publish because they are interested in what you put out there. Sparing a few minutes to ‘like’ comments you’ve received or saying ‘thank you’, will encourage more interactions and build loyalty from your existing fans.
Share user generated content
Your followers are likely sharing their great experience using your product or maybe even tagging you in content related to your brand. These make excellent posts worth sharing with your followers to boost your image.
Talk to your followers
Starting or continuing a conversation is a powerful way to engage with a follower one on one. Some followers may start conversations with you, but other times, you’ll need to seek out conversations already in progress by monitoring forums and influencers related to your industry.
Clear up complaints quickly
There’s no place to hide when customers direct complaints at you on social media. Do your best to tackle them promptly, directly and in the friendliest way you can. Fixing a problem is a good way to win back trust, and your personal response will assure other followers you’re human too.
Post new content consistently
If you want to attract new followers while keeping your existing customers excited, informed and entertained, you’ll need to produce new and relevant content. Keep the voice consistent and personal and from time to time, reward your fans for following your brand.
You will see that social media follower loyalty equals brand loyalty. Interact and engage with your loyal followers on social media and you’re onto success.
