There are many tricky ways to gain followers. The problem with those tricks, though, is they rarely get you quality followers. Social media isn’t meant to be a numbers game – it’s a marketing tool! It’s time people remembered that, so, in that spirit, here are some strategies to gain followers that might actually become customers or supporters.
- Post Frequently – I find that most of my clients don’t want to post often. They’re afraid of overwhelming people, or offending them. There are two things to consider when you feel resistant to posting more content on social media – 1) the ones who will be offended are unlikely to ever buy anything from you and 2) your posts aren’t the only ones out there. Due to the overwhelming nature of social media, it’s easy for things to slip through. This is why posting frequently – several times per day, every day – is usually best. Of course, you want to figure out what platforms, what and when to post, but that’s a whole different subject.
- Mix it Up – The content you post needs to be a mixture of original content that you develop, and reposts from others you follow. You should constantly test what types of content resonate best with your target audience. And keep in mind, resonating doesn’t always mean likes or comments. Video, audio, text, memes… it all has a place in your social media strategy.
Engage With Your Audience – This is the place I see most organizations failing. They create great content but don’t respond when someone comments. Whether it’s positive or negative, your audience deserves a response. Of course, this doesn’t mean you reply to trolls (delete and block them) but if someone has a valid concern, engage with them. If someone takes the time to write, you should take the time to respond. It humanizes your brand and further increases the relationship followers will have with you. And if they have a relationship, they’re more likely to do all of the things you want from them (follow, share, comment, buy, etc.)- Build Anticipation – Whether it’s an event your hosting (online or in-person), a book release, a new blog or video, don’t be afraid to let people know what’s coming. If something excites you, it will excite them. Go ahead and put up a countdown, or schedule that event on Facebook. Get people talking about the exciting thing that’s happening – and don’t underestimate what people will find exciting. Again, you need to mix it up here, and experiment, but you’re likely to find that your most loyal followers will enjoy having something to look forward to.
- Ignore the Gimmicks – There are a lot of self-proclaimed “experts” when it comes to social media. I’m not one of them. I’m simply someone who has tried a lot of things and now shares what has – and hasn’t – worked in the past. Do you know what doesn’t work? Anything that seems too good to be true. Buying followers, like-for-like campaigns, guest posts, paid posts, and anything else that smells of trickery. Followers can smell it from miles away, and it not only doesn’t work to gain new ones, but risks damaging the relationship you have with existing ones. Do you know what does work? Collaborating with others in the same industry. People love to see that.
There, see? It’s not that complicated. It’s also not easy, which is why so many people look for shortcuts. There are no shortcuts to success. Growing your social media takes time, and effort, but, in the end, it may be worthwhile. Unsure how to move forward, or want a second set of eyes on something? Don’t be afraid to reach out.