What is Social Selling?
In 2023 cold calls simply don’t cut it anymore. As the digital landscape evolves, businesses are turning to social media to reach and engage with new customers. And while social selling has been around for a few years now, many organizations are missing out on this new marketing strategy.
With more consumers turning to the internet to find products and information, businesses that are not utilizing social selling are missing out on valuable opportunities. In this blog, we’ll explore the importance of social selling in today’s business environment and provide practical steps for implementing a successful strategy.
Get ready to level up your marketing strategy and tap into the power of social media.
What is Social Selling?
Increasingly, the opinions of our social network and other consumers factor into our buying decisions. Research shows Millennials and Gen Zers are 4.1x more likely to say that user-generated content (e.g., product reviews, photos, or testimonials from other customers) is important when they’re considering a purchase. In this era of hyper-connected customers, social selling takes on a new prominence.
Social selling involves utilizing digital platforms to reach potential customers and establish connections. This method is a crucial tool for sales professionals seeking new leads and connections with relevant individuals.
A report conducted by LinkedIn’s “Global State of Sales 2022”, estimated one-third of sellers have successfully closed deals worth over $500,000 without physical interaction with the buyer. Additionally, 89% of customers are more likely to consider a brand if the seller demonstrates a change in their approach.
So how do you become a social seller? If your business and sales employees are already using social media, their best bet is to leverage those networks as sales channels.
Choose Your Network
When it comes to social selling, not all social networks are equal. Different social networks have different strengths and weaknesses, and what works for one business may not be effective for another. To maximize your results, it’s essential to understand the unique features and demographics of each social network and tailor your approach accordingly.
For instance, if your business operates in the B2B space, LinkedIn may be the most effective platform for making connections with other businesses. On the other hand, if you want to find and follow people in your industry, Twitter may be a better option. It’s important to look at engagement rates and determine where your target audience is active to make informed decisions about which social networks to use. By doing so, you’ll be able to reach the right people and achieve your business goals more effectively.
Make a Target List & Know Your Audience
Knowing your target audience is key to successful social selling. To get the most out of your efforts, it’s important to have a clear understanding of the companies or individuals you want to connect with. Creating a list of these target prospects can help you focus your efforts and ensure that you’re spending your time and resources on the right people.
When creating your target list, consider factors such as industry, job title, location, and size of the company. Having a clear understanding of your ideal customer profile will allow you to craft a messaging strategy. This will resonate with your target audience and help you build meaningful relationships. By taking the time to identify and understand your target audience, you’ll be able to maximize the return on investment of your social selling efforts and achieve your business goals more effectively.
Post Relevant Content and Be Consistent
Content is a crucial component of any social selling strategy. By finding and sharing relevant and interesting content with your target audience, you can position yourself as a trusted resource and establish credibility with your prospects. This content doesn’t have to be directly related to your company or products, but it should be relevant and of interest to your target audience.
Sharing media articles, podcasts, webinars, and other resources can help you demonstrate your expertise and provide value to the right people. By doing so, you’ll be able to build trust, establish relationships, and create opportunities for engagement and sales. Remember, the goal of social selling is to provide value and help your prospects, not to push products or services. By focusing on adding value, you’ll be able to achieve better results with your social selling efforts.
Implement Social Listening Tactics
Social listening is a valuable tool for businesses looking to stay informed about what’s happening in their industry. By implementing social listening, you can see what customers are saying and keep an eye on your competitors. This can help you stay ahead of any emerging trends. It can also help you resolve issues in a timely manner. Staying informed and engaging with your audience will allow you to build stronger relationships. Eventually it will lead to better results with your social selling efforts.
Final Thoughts
Social media continues to play a significant role in the sales process and companies need to stay up-to-date with the latest trends in order to succeed. With the right marketing strategy (and agency) in place, you can help drive growth and increase revenue.
At Onimod Global, we are dedicated to helping businesses achieve success with their modern marketing strategies. Whether you need help identifying and targeting your ideal audience or creating valuable content to engage with potential clients, our team has the expertise and experience to help you reach your goals.
