Let's just jump right in there today. Am I right?
You want to start writing social media posts, blogs, maybe even some articles to help boost your "street cred." Maybe you sell jewelry on Etsy or own a boutique. Maybe you are a brand new business or you're years into your gig and need some refreshers. Whatever the scenario, there are 4 crucial rules to follow that will help boost your promotional content.
THINK CREATIVELY & TAKE CHANCES
Being unique can be challenging. So many different styles and ideas are created on a daily basis. This can leave you feeling insecure about your own originality. The important thing to remember is to be confident in your product or service, and be confident in how you present yourself and your brand.
Take chances. Look at your promotional content from various angles, remembering to focus on your target market. Think about the big picture and slowly focus in on small details.
When writing, use vibrant words that catch a reader's eye. For example, you wouldn't say "This is a huge sale!" I'm pretty sure everyone uses that at some point. Be different. Say something like, "This sale will blow your mind!"
Or even more unique, "Sky-high savings will have you swinging through the trees." Maybe that seems odd, but odd is good. It paints a picture in your customers' minds and sticks with them.
That's what you want. Get stuck in their heads like an overplayed, catchy radio song.
TAKE ACTION & INTERACT
This goes without saying, but most social media posts become popular because the person posting is causing a reason for people to react. Asking questions, for example, is a great way to draw your audience in. Personally, I find this to be one of the best ways to know your audience as well as grow your influence.
If your posting serious content focusing around your brand, ask the audience how they feel about something specific. Don't be afraid to share morals and values, so long as they are relevant to your brand. (You wouldn't want to post something about being vegetarian if you eat meat all the time.) A great way to incorporate this would be in my example below:
We all love basics. But what makes ours "Xtra" is that our clothing is all made in the USA. From your small hometown comes our CEO, Jane Smith, a woman who has been up and down on the scale forever, never ashamed of her body. We want you to feel the same: Confident and Beautiful. From soft cottons to elegant silks, we got you. Comment below and let us know what your favorite breakfast recipe is for a chance to win an Xtra Plushh* Robe!
A subtle conversation starter will pull in audience interaction. Bonus points for offering a prize. (Prizes don't always have to cost money. I once "won" a spot on Smashbox's main page for wearing their lipstick. That was amazing!)
KNOW YOUR MARKET & BRAND
This one is more simple if you keep organized. Take notice of your surrounding demographics both locally and nationally if you plan on selling online. Who do you feel makes sense using your products or services? What other service providers are around you that have a known brand, and what makes them unique? Why would your brand be beneficial for others to review, follow, and utilize?
"Because my services are great," is not an answer.
Find the why behind what you do. Use that. Dig up the reasons, get your hands dirty, and plant those seeds into your brand, your mission statement, and into your target market.
Why?
"Because I want to offer women a chance to look professional without the stiffness of starchy pencil skirts."
"Because selling mini muffins and shipping them out makes someone's day a little sweeter."
"Because women have gone through sh*t, and I get it. But that doesn't mean they shouldn't have the confidence to make their dreams come true." - I definitely said this.
Now that you know the why, think about who would care about your message. This may help narrow down your target audience, or help revise your current marketing strategy. Create your promotional content around your audience and around your brand. It's good to mention relevant information, such as news revolving around your services. However, swaying too far off can be portrayed as unprofessional and can be taken the wrong way. Personal opinions are not the same as core values and morals.
Using these three rules, you will be able to write effective and interactive content that will stick with your target market and current or future customers. Remember to be unique without offensive content, interact in a professional way, and know who you're relaying your content to.
Society19.com 's article on maintaining professionalism on social media is also a fantastic read. (I especially respect their tips on keeping opinions respectful.)
Check it out!
As Always,
Stay Fierce, Valkyrie.
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