Let’s spend a few weeks working on different aspects of social media content. Is social media a pain? Of course it is! Is it important? Undeniably!!!

Think of the ways we used to advertise. I grew up (and still live) in the era of reading a paper version of the news every morning, but we are a diminishing breed. Millennials lead the charge in reliance on social media for news and advertising. This is where your income is living, folks! These are your shoppers. It behooves us to meet them where they reside.

Let’s not start with the hard stuff—like algorithms and the hoary details of FB jail or viral posts that can destroy you in a flash. Let’s begin with some simple ways to use social media to your best advantage. If you are running your business with feet on the ground and wearing way too many hats, you may feel overwhelmed as we continue…but I do have good news for you.

Facebook is the best bang for the buck for the majority of the Blue Springs demographic. I know Instagram is growing, but because your posts on Instagram only enjoy a 30-day shelf life before being eliminated, Facebook is the place to build a history of your brand and your services.

Post 5 to 15 times a week. Remember that you sell your business once every five posts, so focus on engagement. Once you have gotten their attention, redirect users to your website, where you have detailed content of your business and your products. Think of Facebook as the daily newspaper, and your website as the storefront. Your brick and mortar presence is the ultimate destination, so you’re just adding a level of enticement into the process.

Social media content is what you post. It needs to range from practical to inspirational to focused selling. You do not have to write it or post it yourself. People like me can do it for you. For example, I charge 10 minutes for creating a Facebook post, so you may find bringing in an outside set of hands beneficial. See what I mean? It doesn’t have to be overwhelming.

What makes up social media content?

• Testimonials

• Guides

• Special events for your company

• Season advice

• Inspirational quotes

• Engaging photos

• Contests

Each of these categories resonate with parts of your demographic, and you want to engage them all, so content must be varied. When you draw them to your site, you are drawing them toward a potential purchase, so every post needs to be redirecting them to the motherlode of information.

Taglines need to be included with every post, so users who are searching for services or products find you. Think of these people as happy little fish swimming along until irresistible bait pops up and lures them to your site. Did they know about you in advance? Nope…but they do now! These are potential shoppers.

Your Facebook posts also serve as an important tool in the never-ending quest for a strong email list. Terminus offers great advice in making sure you don’t end up as spam, but are reaching your target audience…but that’s next week.

For now, think about your outreach. If you want to increase revenue, you need more shoppers, and Facebook is a great way to reach them.