Social media tips you can use now, part 2

Part 2 of an ongoing series, discussing social media tips you can put to work right now. 

Today’s topic is Facebook Posting/Liking/Sharing

Ahh, Facebook. You are like a fickle teenager. What you said yesterday may still hold true for today, or maybe not! Here's a list of do's and don'ts that should hold true for the {near} future.

• Follow the 80/20 rule: posts that offer perceived value to others and are NOT self-promotions will garner the best fans. For every self-promo post, offer 4 posts that promote other businesses or community figures, events, etc.

• Like other Pages that are complimentary to your business and like what they are posting (again, use caution and do not “over-like:” one of the worst behaviors is to be perceived as “spammy”). Additionally, like Pages where YOU do business: the hairdresser, the coffee shop, the local newspaper, your church, etc.

• Be genuine and authentic. The millennials can spot a fake a mile away, and suspect they are always being sold to.

• Unless religion or politics is your business, keep your personal opinions off your business page. That only belongs on a personal profile.

• Share {selectively} your business posts on your personal profile. Your friends and family are interested in your business, but only just a little. If they really want to know what’s going on in your business, they will follow your business page!

• Use the post scheduler on the update status bar to make your life a little easier. You can schedule posts up to 6 months or more in advance.

• Thank your new fans: “Thanks to our newest fans Mary Smith, John Doe, and Sally SoAndSo! We hope you will tell your friends about us!” Pages sometimes can tag people, but don’t worry if you can’t. People still love to be recognized personally.

www.facebook.com/YourSocialMediaGal

• Share a personal story from time to time. Nothing crazy, just a little tidbit for your fans to know there’s a real person here, not just some computer churning out automated posts. Example, “It’s been raining cats and dogs here at XYZ headquarters; any suggestions on where to get some good galoshes?” or “Working from home today, and my little doggy is snoring in the chair beside me.” And post a pic of the doggy.

• If you have the option, ask someone you trust to give your page a recommendation.

• If you have video, post it! People LOVE videos. They don’t have to be professional: take a look at YouTube; it’s mostly videos caught on cell phones, and that’s ok! Just make it short and sweet and authentic!

Using Pinterest to Market your Insurance Agency

Pinterest is a pinboard-style photo-sharing website that allows users to create and manage theme-based image collections such as events, interests, and hobbies. Users can browse other pinboards for images, 're-pin' images to their own pinboards, or 'like' photos (Wikipedia). Just as with Facebook, Twitter and other social media sites, people can “follow” other users.

Insurance agents sell intangible products and services, and many people consider insurance to be a boring necessity that doesn’t create much excitement. Building relationships is important for all salespeople, perhaps even more so for insurance agents.

http://www.pinterest.com/aubreyrogersins/

Used strategically and with an understanding of the demographics of this community, Pinterest can be another way for you to create positive PR for your business and connect with potential clients.

Nearly 70% of Pinterest users are females ages 25 – 34. This demographic is likely doing one or more of the following activities:

·        Paying off student loans

·        Purchasing a new car

·        Renting an apartment

·        Buying a first home

·        Getting married

·        Starting a family

With that in mind, an Insurance Agency would do well to consider the following types of Pinterest Boards:

            Fun Car Pictures                  House Decorating Ideas      Healthy Habits

            Dream Home Inspiration     Wedding Inspiration             Baby/Nursery Decor

For B2B Agencies, consider creating boards with the following themes:

            Office etiquette tips             Employer Resources            Our Partners

            Small Business Tips           Financial Infographics

And finally, all agencies should remember to keep a sense of personality and a personal touch:

            Our Community                   Our Office                              Our Blog

            Our Charities                       Our Staff

As Seth Godin points out, effective Social Media turns strangers into fans, fans into customers, and customers into salespeople. Creating an engaging presence will help any business achieve those goals, regardless of the outlet.

www.pinterest.com/MelanieDiehl