Everyone loves followers, it makes us feel popular and business is no different. Here are some ways for small business owners to increase your following on social media:
1. Post great content (intuitive right?)
2. Write a professional bio. You would be surprised at how many clients come to us with outdated content in their bio. Remember your brand should be consistent across all channels.
3. Use hashtags (see more on how to use hashtags here)
4. Place an email list signup widget on your blog. If your blog is part of your WordPress website then widgets are easy to place. If someone is interested enough to read your blog they may be interested in hearing more. This may be done via your RSS feed or if your blog is a gateway to value added content in exchange for an email address, then make sure you are clear on the value and make the signup box prominent.
5. Engage with others. (otherwise it wouldn’t be called “social” media!). Comment on others’ blogs (hint: include a link back to your website or email squeeze page in your signature), post reviews on companies you love (same hint), comment on interesting posts and share your (brand’s) viewpoint.
6. Re-share other people’s content. This is a wonderful way to make a connection and you’re more likely to receive the benefit of shares on your future posts.
7. Reach out to influencers. Go to www.klout.com to see who is influential in your industry or target client groups. Follow them and look for opportunities to comment and share.
8. Stay active. Even if you don’t see a lot of interaction on your posts, potential clients are still checking out your page. Keep it current, interesting and informative.
9. Follow other users. Social is reciprocal.
10. To get a lot of followers, minimize the number of those who un-follow you: Avoid bursts by sending your updates with a scheduler like Hootsuite. And keep in mind other types of updates to avoid—politics, mundane topics, lack of personality, etc.
11. Give things away: Twitter users love discounts and freebies, and they are likely to follow a brand to get some goods. If you can add value in this way—along with your content strategy and branding—you might see your followers grow.
12. Put social share buttons on each blog post: Make sure you include social media share buttons on each blog post, not just in your sidebar. There are plugins for WordPress to help with that. Check with us if you need help.
13. Identify popular posts to get more shares: Getting new fans often comes down to how often your content gets shared. A tool like Fanpage Karma can help you identify the most popular posts in your niche.
14. Answer questions on abandoned Facebook Pages: You’d be surprised at how many big brands have massive numbers of Facebook fans, and yet virtually ignore the questions and comments these fans leave. Respond in a helpful, non-promotional way to unanswered questions (and be sure to answer as your Page).
15. Be responsive: Posting engaging content is just one piece of the puzzle. Respond to questions, comments, and complaints in a timely manner.