A couple of weeks ago I had a little bump while reversing my car at roughly two miles per hour. The dogs and I are fine. Unfortunately, my plastic bumper was surprisingly ruined (to the extent that I really need to get a new car, if only for the security that should I actually have a crash I will live to tell the tale!) Anyway, bent and broken bumper – Hmm what should I do? First, I thought of friends and family who might know where I can get a replacement part. I was lucky in that I was pointed in the direction of an online breakers yard. What did I do next? Trusting my friend’s advice and browsing the website I was further pleased to find many positive reviews of the site and their services. Excellent!
Now this brings me back to the point of this blog – How to generate a credible reputation by using social media. The car part provider used a simple, but very powerful technique – they shared reviews to confirm trust in their services as a customer.
What is on at the cinema tonight? Google search the local cinemas -> see what’s on -> check review websites -> choose film to watch.
You have probably figured out by now what I am going to recommend small businesses do… SHARE and SHOUT about SUCCESSES with reviews and testimonials via various social media platforms. This will help people decide to buy from you – just make it easy for them!
As soon as you get a review – use its positivity power to promote your services:
- Twitter – share feedback / reviews / testimonials with your target audience e.g. potential new clients. If you gained a fantastic review from a customer, use it to attract other ideal customers by directing tweets with a link to the review at them. Share all this positivity during # hashtag hours / areas where your audience is likely to be. Perhaps THE most important part is to simply say thank you directly for their review.
- On the topic of sharing successes to build credibility – Try promoting the services and link followers to people YOU trust to your followers. This will give these trusted companies more credibility too. Everyone is a winner.
- One last suggestion – praise and shout about the little things that have been successful in your business, no matter how small via social media! E.g. If you have reached 100 new followers – be pleased with this achievement and let your audience know!
- Blogging can further help … sharing expertise / information, ask questions, top tips and articles then engaging in conversation with followers. After all, this is why I am writing this one now. This same strategy should also be extended to Google+, YouTube, Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIN with the aim of eventually becoming an influencer or thought leader in your industry.
ShooSocial
Rachel Hatfield has an extensive career in the meetings and events industry for the last 15 years including a BA (hons) in International Hospitality Business Management from Leeds Beckett University and MSc International Conference Management from Sheffield Hallam University.
Visit shoosocialmedia.co.uk for more information
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