You\’ve hopefully heard that the point of social media sites like Twitter and Facebook isn\’t just to amass followers. You could have totally healthy numbers and still not see much of a return in terms of sales or clicks or engaged readers. So if the goal isn\’t just numbers, what is it? Some of the signposts that you are doing things right: People retweet your tweets. People comment on your blog posts and on other readers\’ comments. People open your emails and click on items in them. People buy what you\’re selling or hire you. Not quite there yet? Here are a few things for you to try:
Offer a Unique Experience
You may think there is nothing new under the sun, but if you put your mind to it, you can still offer your customers a unique product or experience. If you can\’t do it first, then at least do it differently, and don\’t forget better. Dedicate yourself to providing a product or service that you would want yourself, and you will find that others agree with you.
Deliver
Deliver the promise of your product or your blog every time. Write great content, go the extra mile in terms of customer service, conduct yourself with the utmost transparency and integrity, and you will find yourself with the loyal following you\’ve always wanted.
Talk to Them
Be personable, be social, and engage your followers, customers, and potential followers and customers. Act like a person, not a business. We know you\’ve heard you should be yourself on social media, but we\’re going to say it again: Be yourself. If you are yourself, people won\’t be able to help but like you and want to know more about what you do and sell.
Do Something For Them
Offer your customers something for free, and as much as possible strive to do so without any hope of something (sales, follows) in return. Today\’s online users are incredibly savvy (not to say jaded) and will be able to detect a bait and switch from a mile away, so be honest about it. Think of something genuinely nice you could do for or give to the people who have purchased from you in the past and do it — you might be surprised at the gratitude that this will generate.
While there is no guaranteed blueprint for obtaining a loyal customer base, it is also not rocket science. Be honest, be transparent, be yourself, and be available, and you will find yourself with a loyal following in no time.