Finding new ways touse social mediaplatforms creatively

In the absence of “in real life” experiences, customers who are feeling isolated are increasingly turning to social media for content andconnection. We have compiled a list of ways you can maximize this opportunity and time to support your relationships and your business. Although we are unable to have face to face contact at this time, there are still many ways to create connectivity, provide service, andsupport sales.  Our community and the relationships we have will developed will outlast this difficult time.

How to leverage relationships toencourage future purchases,repeat buys, and cultivate newrelationships and business.

1/3one-third of themost viewedStories are frombusinesses

2 millionInstagram usersvisit at leastone businessprofile per day

Brands post anaverage of 2.5stories perweek

Via Social Media Direct MessagingVia phone: give them a call and say hello!Via email 

Make contact with current clients and potential clients via social media Reach out and initiate conversation:

Check in with clients and make them feel valued and appreciated

How to utilize your socialplatform right nowDiscover new ways to connect with your audience on social media.

THE DO’S ANDDON’TS OF DIRECTMESSAGINGDO check in with current and potential clients and see if theyare working on any new projects during this timeDO interact with their Instagram Stories and offer a friendlyreplyDO stay on top of your message inbox and answer anyquestions and concerns your audience may haveDO add fun emojis to the conversation to lighten it up andkeep things fun! DON’T make the conversation “sales” focused - focus on afriendly conversation and developing lasting relationshipsDON’T only interact with emojis - make sure you areleveraging the relationship and sparking conversationDON’T forget about new potential customers and clients!Follow people in your community and initiate conversations toexpand your customer base on social media.

Post photos of product - store vignette photography, siloproduct photography, lifestyle photography.Make it personal & authentic-  your social media should bean extension (and temporary substitution for your store)make sure that your messaging and  the “experience” youare providing on social fits/ matches your IRL storeexperience. Share some How to’s- or store favorites in stories

Utilize Instagram to promote product in your store 

Find simple ways to keep sellingand sharing on social media

Share some How to’s- or store favorites in stories Provide information - customers want as muchinformation as you are able to provide.Walk your audience through the store via InstagramStories and give a tour and call out products/pricingSave different products to a “highlight” on yourInstagram - so they can live on your page andcustomers can revisit

SOME ADDITIONALSERVICES TO OFFER YOURCLIENTS DURING THIS TIME

Sell product directly through Instagram Provide a phone number to call for questions/to purchaseUtilize FaceTime or Zoom for consultations/questionsLet your clients know they can pay over the phone or viaapple pay/pay pal 

Provides a one on one shopping experience and gives thepersonal attention that clients lovePresent it as a unique service you are offering during thistime

Offer virtual shopping 

Offer virtual FaceTime design/personal shoppingappointments

CREATE SOCIAL EXPERIENCES ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Including contactless delivery where you leave the package in a safe location for the client to receiveOffer gift delivery for birthdays and special celebrations

Sell gift certificates at a discount or provide bonus dollars with purchases to use at a later date.Buy more to save more - create a promotion to encourage larger purchases with a special discount

Extending your return and exchange policy in acknowledgement of the current climate could alleviate buyer doubtand incentivize online sales

Offer your customers an incentive to preorder popular products - either by paying a deposit or the full amount

Offer free delivery and curbside pickup (if your state allows)

Offer shipping discounts and special promotions to help support sales

Extend your return and exchange policy

Build a preorder strategy

OFFER NEW SERVICES ANDDISCOUNTS