In this economy there is
one major truth that stands above the rest. Trust equals revenue. If you are a
small to mid-sized business it is the amount of trust you can build between
clients that strengthens your brand.
With trust comes happy
clients and with happy clients come referrals. Trust is an essential block of
building your business. Marketing is built under the assumption that stories
can create an emotional bond between a consumer and a brand… a client and a
service. Are you able to tell a story… create a service and an experience that
builds trust?
Social media can help you
build that trust.
1. Content
Content is the number one
way you can build trust with potential clients. By creating meaningful and
thought provoking content you are building a bridge to later sell that person
on your services. Talk about what you do on a daily basis. When I say “you”.. I
mean YOU are writing and communicating stories that happen to YOU on a daily
basis.
2. Transparency
This can also pertain to
content or how you use a specific social network. Be human. The people who are
interested in your thoughts and suggestions want to know about you as a person.
They could care less about a sale that you’re having. They want to know how you
helped Jim the construction worker or Susie the accountant.
3. Picture of Your
Day
When you are using social
networks make sure you put up pictures of your daily life. If you have a cell phone
with a camera, take some pictures of your daily routine and share them with
your connections. Just don’t over do it. We can only look at so many
professional business or glamor shots in a day.
4. Saying Thank You
If somebody helps you share
information or decides to retweet a post.. make sure you
thank that person. They are helping you spread the word… they are your online
evangelists. If you miss a thank you, don’t let it get to you… but do try to
make the most of the people that help you out.
5. Time is
Important
Remember that you are
building relationships. Don’t trust the people that tell you to add 10042
friends and make $5,000 a month. It is a load of bologna. Build your following
slowly… create relationships in an online environment that can be transferred
offline.
6. Criticism is
Important
You will be criticized. That’s
the truth of open communication. Take it with stride and respond. If you are
debated… make sure you debate back. Stand up for what you believe and you will
gain trust with the people who are listening and watching.
7. Guest Post on Another
Blog
There are times when you
can write different posts for other blogs in order to reach a new audience.
It can help build trust and brand awareness if your content is shared on
other sites other than your own blog. This shows other people who believe in
your content.
8. Send Out Random
Surveys to Your Clients and Readers
It is important that you
ask your readers and clients to contribute to the business planning process
through social media. It is important that you know what they are thinking… you
also want them to understand you care.
9. Get Involved in
Your Community and Share on Social
Community development and participation is key when building a business. It is the community whether online or offline that drives business for every small business owner. Get involved in your community and share your involvement on social media. This could mean that you share a picture of attending a fundraising event on Twitter or Facebook. You can also get involved with Causes via Facebook.
10. Be Aware of
Your Search Engine Rankings
If a client or potential
client is researching social media and your name is ranked for the search
terms… you are building trust. Check out “4 Basic Rules to Follow with SEO!”
If you are looking for information in regards to SEO
