“I just don’t understand Twitter.”
John, my husband, announced this to me one morning this week as he prepared for work.
He had just heard a television newscaster, as they all do now, encourage listeners to follow a story on the channel’s Twitter and Facebook pages.
I get John’s meaning. Through me, he’s familiar with social media but is not a regular Twitter user.
John’s words are similar to what your customers may be saying about following you.
“What’s the point? Won’t this waste my time?”
This is the reason customers require education about your online spaces and knowledge about the benefits of tracking your communications.
Here are five reasons, if appropriate, to encourage their participation.
1. Online discounts/coupons not available elsewhere.
2. Participation in contests with valuable prizes.
3. Immediate connection to a live person to solve a business or personal problem.
4. Ability to connect with a like-minded community and to capitalize on their experiences.
5. Notification about tutorials and other online content to reward and fulfill a lifestyle.
Of course, there’s the other side of the social media equation: you’re the one who doesn’t understand why it’s necessary to participate.
In this case, do yourself one favor – enroll in social media programs (you’ll find a list and links in the article, Social Media – What It Is and How to Capitalize) and secure your personal name or business name for the time when the light bulb moment occurs.
You can then create a following without worrying about first-time setup issues and name availability.
What do your clients not understand about the benefits of following you?
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Good stuff, Shirley. I’m going to be giving a presentation in both February and April on social media. The first group knows absolutely nothing about it. The second group, well, I’m hoping they know about at least some of it, as they’re a bit younger than the first group.
Still, it all comes down to will they use it, and how. If not, well, I figure I’ll be speaking to an empty room. lol
You certainly won’t be speaking to an empty room, Mitch, as the topic of social media brings out both newbies and experienced people (wanting to know more from your perspective).
What’s also beneficial is that the questions and feedback you receive from attendees will help you to create more value at forthcoming events.
Shirley,
Great points. I really like #1 and #5. We are starting to see larger companies do a lot more of #1 already. I know I am always at Starbucks whenever they announce a promotion through Facebook.
Brad
Hi Brad,
I’ve heard at conferences that Dell is one firm that’s considered an expert at distributing No. 1 through social media.
Even if that doesn’t work for every company, there’s something on the list that makes sense, no matter who’s the target.