How to Improve Your Next Business Engagement in 8 Steps

Nowadays, when people talk about social media, they are talking about all the ways using social media can increase their networks, reputation and the way of selling their image! On the other hand we can see most marketers are trying to use social media to increase a company's bottom line. At the end and as final outcome if we used it properly we can say social media has changed the world.
From my perspective, It’s not just about using platforms and tools for the new look and feel design of it, I think it’s important to remember how crucial the old fashioned relationship and business communications are.

In this article I would like to raise one of the most important elements which considered a key success factors in social media “Engagement”

But what does engagement actually mean? And are social media follower counts really important?

Engagement in a product or services business refers to how much people interact with a brand's social media and website. For instance, if you are selling chocolate cinnamon cake, I would say it may be tough to convince your clients or customers to share your secret chocolate sauce, a new dark chocolate product, or even a bad chocolate taste story with customers.

But, openness can go a long way in social media. Your community will feel involved in your company and appreciate the trust you show toward them. They may become interested in your story, want to get involved in your product trials, or stay in touch with updates. That hook may be what you need to generate new, long-term customers.

When I did my research via different online sources I found there are over 1.82 billion social network users worldwide; do you believe that?? That number is expected to increase to approximately 2.33 by 2017. Needless to say, being active on social media is an essential part of your marketing plan.

But active without followers like bird without wings. If you have followers on your social media channels who are engaged by your updates and realize tangible value from them your marketing efforts will be better rewarded.

I believe you have a question now and ask; how do you get followers and reach your audience over the internet? The answer is by providing them with real value and having a two-way conversation. People enjoy reading posts that offer advice, tips and tricks, but if they can then engage with the author of those posts or the company behind them, it takes their experience to the next level. Below are the most active steps that let your business, services, blog, website get more followers and engaged.

Tell a story

Perhaps the story is something as simple as how the new application that you developed on Android phones solved a memory size issue. Whatever the case, the power of a good story can’t be denied. It’s the follow-up to a story that was shared, including absorbing and responding to the reactions. It’s the action of connecting with someone that was affected by your story in one way or another and nurturing the beginning of a relationship with that person. Because of this, engagement can often unearth new stories or add to old ones, providing you with even more content.

Build trust

Building trust within your social community is considered an essential part and critical in online discussions. Building trust via social media channels is one way to build this credibility.

Respond to positive feedback

Positive feedback is your gate to pass the quiz in engagement session! It offers your brand a chance to turn casual fans and admirers into full-blown fanatics — the people we refer to as brand evangelists.

Respond to negative feedback

By listening carefully to your online community, you’ll easily spot customer complaints as they arise and quickly defuse find out a proper way to fix those situations.

 

Show your personality

Always keep in mind; you’re having a conversation, not publishing a press release. The simple act of responding like a human being will delight your community. If your brand was a person, what would you want people to say about him or her? How does your online presence reflect your answer?

Go beyond Facebook and Twitter

Though Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn are still among the most popular, marketers can benefit from using social networks beyond these three.

Find, create, and share content

Producing and sharing your own content is a great way to add your voice to the conversations about your industry.

Follow back

Remember, not only is following those that follow you a kind gesture, but it will also help grow your overall following by showing potential new followers that you’re the type of brand who engages, not only broadcasts