Businesses can’t afford to ignore the rise of social commerce. The combined forces of social media and eCommerce are proving to be a honeypot for both fledgling and established enterprises. Although still fairly new, social commerce is set to change the way people shop. Estimates are that it could generate revenues of $1.2 trillion by 2025.
In such a huge marketplace, what does it take to stand out? You need a strategy. Here are some tips that can help.
1. Pick the right platform
The various social media platforms have their own following, so choose the one your intended audience favors. With the growth in social commerce, even platforms that haven’t traditionally been linked to commerce are adding features to make shopping easier.
2. Keep your brand consistent
Regardless of your preferred social media platform for sales, it’s a good idea to have a recognizable brand presence across the board. Staying authentic and consistent helps customers trust you. It also strengthens your message, which, in turn, leads to sales.
3. Include social proof
To create a successful social commerce campaign, try to “humanize” your brand as much as you can. Real-life photos are more engaging, and people tend to respond more readily to images that are relatable.
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So, while it’s good to have impeccable product photos on your platforms, be sure to include images of real people using your product. These can trigger emotions that will make others want to buy. Having testimonials and reviews on your page will encourage potential customers to explore how they can achieve the same results.
4. Get cozy with influencers
Consumers tend to be suspicious of traditional ads since a brand will naturally laud its product or service. On the other hand, shoppers trust testimonials, online reviews, and recommendations from experts. In many cases, these experts build a loyal following, becoming influencers in their own right.
Influencers are a powerful ally to have, so try to identify some that work in your niche and strike up a partnership. One thing to keep in mind is that an influencer with a huge following isn’t necessarily the best thing for your brand. In fact, you’re probably better off with one of the so-called micro-influencers, who cater to a small but passionate audience and keep their followers engaged. Having your brand linked with a trusted influencer is incredibly valuable.
5. Collect and analyze data
It’s essential to collect all the information you can from your existing and potential customers and analyze it. Without sufficient data and robust analysis, you will struggle to determine whether your social commerce efforts are paying off.
Data collection and analysis are crucial for identifying content that works (or doesn’t work), gaining insights into consumer behaviors and preferences, and optimizing your omnichannel strategy.
6. Make it personal
Social media has the upper hand on other forms of marketing as it has access to information about individual users. This makes it possible to personalize marketing as never before.
Capitalize on this feature of social media by personalizing your product offers. Directing your message to your target market with this kind of pinpoint accuracy will lead to increased sales.
7. Make it convenient
Nothing compares to the convenience of being able to shop wherever you are. The fact that online shopping remains popular despite life returning to normal post-pandemic is testimony to its advantages.
However, this means that businesses wishing to be competitive in the online world have to up their game. Simplify the purchasing process as much as possible. Make sure your calls to action are clear, and set up direct links to purchasing pages. The road to checkout must be bump-free because customers can easily be deterred by having to click one too many times.
Use these tips when formulating your social commerce strategy and be prepared to reap the benefits to your bottom line.
