How to use social media effectively (Part 2)

Previously, we explored how to use social media effectively for a product launch. In this post, we'll discuss how you can use social media to build your brand, attract new customers and keep them coming back for more.

By now, you've launched your baby into the world and people are starting to know your brand and product line-up a little more. But how do you help them remember you over your competitors? Here's where branding comes into play.

Tip 1: Give your brand a distinct personality

Social media is great for curating your brand's personality. Are you a fun brand that targets teens? Or are you an eco-friendly brand with a mission to save the planet? Having a distinguishable personality and building on your unique selling point will help customers identify with your brand and build loyalty.

Curate your posts to embody your brand personality. Featuring Goodpair Socks.

Tip 2: Let the visuals shine

Posts with visuals are more attention grabbing and increase your chances of being noticed and remembered. And if you're on a visually-driven platform like Instagram, all the more you should ensure that your photos and videos tell your brand's story. A little bit of photo editing can go a long way; use apps like Snapseed or Photoshop to give your photos an edge. Video is also a great storytelling tool and it is getting easier to create fun videos using apps like Boomerang and video editing apps like Splice. Remember, people love looking at and sharing beautiful visuals so it is worthwhile investing your time and effort in making them shine.

Ask yourself, "Is this photo a scroll-stopper?". Featuring wkndiminlove.

Tip 3: Present a consistent image

Choose a colour palette and visual style to work with and stick to it. With handy tools like ColourLovers, you don't have to be an art school graduate to create aesthetically pleasing colour combinations. If visual design isn't your forte, get a designer to create templates for you and just update the content as required.

Consistency in colour and style helps with brand recognition. Featuring Happy Bunch.

Tip 4: Create and share meaningful content

Be relevant to your audience. If there's a special celebration coming up, post something related to it. If there's a trending topic that is making waves online, ride the wave if it suits your brand. Facebook Live is also great for showcasing your launch event or demo at a bazaar. If you don't have an assistant, just set up your mobile phone on a tripod and shoot away (remember to have a battery pack handy!)

Collaborate with other brands on special occasions. Featuring Happy Bunch x Tanamera.

Be current and topical to maximise organic reach. Photo credit: myBurgerLab

Make sure your visuals are relevant to the social chatter. Photo credit: myBurgerLab.

Find timely opportunities to build meaningful connections with your product. Featuring Loka Made x Kinokuniya.

Tip 5: Respond to and reward your customers

Social media channels give customers constant access to your brand so you have to be responsive and communicative. There's nothing worse than a brand page that doesn't respond to questions or acknowledge customers' comments. Releasing special discount codes on your brand's social media accounts, and creating special promotions to celebrate milestones like 1000 followers will give your customers reason to continue engaging with your brand.

Engage with customers with personalised replies. Featuring AugustFame.

We hope this post will help your brand stand out on social media and keep customers interested in your products. 

Our last post in this 3-part series will discuss lead generation and conversion, so be sure to stay tuned or follow us on social media to make sure you stay in the loop!

*This post was originally published on Pocketbook.io