As a small business owner, you know how vital social media is for connecting with your customers. But there comes a time when your once-buzzing profiles start to feel a bit stale, and the engagement just isn’t what it used to be. If you’re looking at your social media and thinking, “What now?” then don’t worry!
Here are some practical ways on how you can breathe new life into your stagnant social media profiles.
#1 Reevaluate Your Strategy
Start by taking a step back and assessing your current strategy. What’s working? What’s not? Sometimes, the content that once resonated with your audience may no longer be effective. It’s essential to adapt and evolve your strategy based on current trends and audience preferences.
#2 Refresh Your Content
Content is king when it comes to social media. If your posts have become predictable, it’s time to shake things up. Experiment with different types of content like videos, infographics, or behind-the-scenes glimpses. Keep your content diverse to maintain the interest of your audience.
#3 Engage with Your Audience
Social media is a two-way street. If you’re just broadcasting messages without engaging, you’re missing out on the ‘social’ aspect. Respond to comments, participate in conversations, and actively engage with your followers. This not only boosts engagement but also builds a community around your brand.
#4 Collaborate and Cross-Promote
Collaborations and cross-promotions are effective ways to expand your reach and bring fresh content to your audience. Here are some examples:
For Collaboration:
- Joint Giveaway with a Local Business: If you’re a café, partner with a nearby bookstore for a giveaway where participants can win a book and a coffee voucher. This partnership can introduce each business to the other’s customer base.
- Influencer Collaboration: A clothing boutique might collaborate with a local fashion influencer. The influencer can showcase your clothing line in their posts, providing exposure to a wider, yet targeted, audience.
- Co-Hosted Event: A fitness studio and a health food store could co-host a wellness event, combining a workout session with a healthy eating workshop. This offers value to customers and promotes both businesses.
For Cross-Promotion:
- Social Media Takeovers: A pet grooming service and a pet accessory shop could do social media takeovers on each other’s Instagram accounts, sharing content that appeals to pet owners.
- Shared Blog Posts: Two complementary businesses, like a graphic design service and a digital marketing agency, could write guest posts for each other’s blogs, offering insights into their respective fields.
- Cross-Platform Promotion: If you have a strong Facebook presence but want to grow your Instagram, use Facebook to direct your followers to your Instagram profile with exclusive content or Instagram-only offers.
In both collaboration and cross-promotion, the key is to find partners whose audience overlaps with yours and whose products or services complement what you offer. This ensures that the partnership is beneficial for both parties and relevant to your customers.
#5 Run Targeted Ad Campaigns
If organic reach is dwindling, consider investing in targeted ad campaigns. Start by setting clear goals, like increasing sales or brand awareness. Then, identify your target audience based on demographics and interests. Then, create engaging ad content that resonates with the demographics and buyer persona you created.
Make sure to also utilise the ad platform targeting features to precisely reach your audience, set a defined budget and schedule, and regularly monitor the campaign’s performance. Make adjustments as needed for optimisation and consider A/B testing to find the most effective ad elements.
#6 Consistency is Key
A sporadic posting schedule can contribute to a stagnant profile. Develop a consistent posting schedule to keep your audience engaged and informed, and here are some tips for scheduling posts effectively:
- Understand your audience’s online habits: Determine when your audience is most active on social media. This varies depending on factors like demographics and platform.
- Create a content calendar: Plan your posts using a content calendar. This helps in organising your content strategy and ensures a balanced mix of post types.
- Leverage scheduling tools: Use social media scheduling tools like Buffer, Hootsuite, or native scheduling features on platforms like Facebook and Instagram. These tools allow you to schedule posts in advance, saving time and maintaining consistency.
- Balance quality and quantity: While it’s important to post regularly, quality should not be compromised. Ensure that each post adds value and aligns with your brand’s message.
- Be flexible and responsive: While sticking to a schedule, be ready to adapt and post timely content that aligns with current events or trends relevant to your audience.
- Analyse and adjust: Regularly review the performance of your posts to identify the best times and types of content for your audience. Adjust your schedule based on these insights for optimal engagement.
By following these tips, you can develop a posting schedule that keeps your social media profiles active and engaging, helping to revive and maintain a dynamic online presence.
#7 Humanise Your Brand
Show the faces behind your brand. Share stories, celebrate milestones, and let your audience get to know the team. This human element can make your brand more relatable and approachable!
Reviving a stagnant social media profile requires a mix of strategic planning, creative content, and active engagement. By implementing these tips, you can reinvigorate your social media presence and reconnect with your audience.
Need a hand reviving your social media profiles? We get it – keeping up with the ever-changing digital world can be overwhelming, but In The Willow can help! We are all about crafting social media strategies that not only click with your audience but also make managing your online presence a breeze. Let’s chat about how we can rebuild your social channels and help your business shine online.