In its basic form, a market is defined as a place with a gathering of people with different wants and needs and with the intent to purchase, trade and buy. A few years ago, social media was regarded as a platforms for connecting with friends and family and for entertainment. Over time, it has evolved and its uses have become more dynamic.
There are currently 4.9 billion social media users in the world as of 2023 and that is a significant percentage of the number of people living in the world. With this vast amount of people gathering online on different social platforms, it is safe to refer to social media as a marketplace.
I refer to my social platforms as my online stores and this mindset has helped me in several ways. When you go to a physical shop, you are going there to work, display your products or services, attract customers and make sales. This is also how you should perceive your online space and that is if you are serious about your business.
There is a rising trend of phone addiction and scrolling syndrome and this is majorly attributed to social media and the insight it gives into another person’s life that you wouldn’t have had otherwise in previous times. This scrolling, trying to keep up with people has infected us so much that it has become an addiction. As an entrepreneur looking to scale their business, this is the kind of opportunity you should otherwise steal to get your products and services right to the front of your potential clients’ noses.
Even a normal marketplace doesn’t have enough shoppers and people snooping around like social media does. However, some other things come into play when using your social media platforms as your online store. With the rising trend of scammers and fake profiles, building credibility is core to closing sales. Employ strategies for your online presence that would ensure your business is perceived as credible to your potential clientele. Read on how Testimonials and reviews help to build business credibility here., how to use the Godfather’s strategy here and also how promos and freebies can improve your brand’s reputation here.
In treating your social media accounts as a store, I advise you not to spread yourself too thin and to choose one or two platforms that you have great engagement and leverage on. Consistency is also very vital. As with a real store, you can’t open your doors only once a month, but rather regularly. Figure out a schedule on how many days a week you want to use that platform for business and stick to your schedule. Your audience will subconsciously register you and your platform over time and they will come to know your dealings.
With the ever-increasing number of social media platforms in the world today, I have selected a few that are top-rated and with a vast amount of potential clients ready to buy if they are convinced as to the worth, need and credibility of the products they are being offered.
Facebook: This medium has to top the list as it is the most used platform of this century, which signals there are a good amount of potential buyers on it. Users extend to all age groups and creeds with no restrictions and by extension, it provides a ground for you to market your products. With Facebook, you should try to build a credible personal page and include convincing pictures of your business and personal life to give your clients assurance when they patronize you.
Instagram: High-resolution images make for Instagram aesthetics and the algorithm tends to promote content that is entertaining, clear, crisp, educational and informational. When creating contents for your instagram page, prioritize some or all of these factors so that the algorithm favors your posts and push them to potential customers.
TikTok: With platforms that are video-based like TikTok, your first thought should be how to retain the attention of your viewers long enough for them to decide to at least view your profile. The first 2-4 seconds of your video have to be magnetic and interesting. Do not bury the lead. Ensure to keep your videos interesting, creating contents that the audience would find valuable. Remember, it’s not about you, it’s about convincing a client to buy what you are offering.
Twitter: Words are the key players on this platform, short sentences that can convert basically. With the addition of images to your words, always aim at putting together solid sentences that sell. Words that convince, lure and tempt.
WhatsApp: WhatsApp is best for on-one chatting and on other social media, entrepreneurs tend to funnel interested clients to their WhatsApp accounts as it gives a more personal connection with the intended buyer. WhatsApp also has the Status feature which I make use of to advertise my products daily. The statuses only last for 24 hours and it is gone so it serves as a good timeline to showcase something interesting daily.
I would like to point out that social media reach is very important. Not all the people in your social media space or who come in contact with your product would buy at the time they see it, but if you play your cards right, overtime when they need the service you offer, you would be their first port of call. It is important to post good quality content as a slight glitch can lose the interest of the audience you have captured over time.
Planet Zaiy 