If you’re a small business owner, don’t forget to include social media in your branding strategy. While most entrepreneurs are savvy enough to not dismiss it completely, a common mistake is thinking that you have to have your branding nailed down before implementing social media in your plan. Truth is, you should be using social media before your branding is solidified, after it’s been established, and then on. Here are 4 ways social media can help influence your brand:
1) Check Out What the Competition is Up To
Is your branding still in its fetal stages? There is absolutely no need to re-invent the wheel. Scope out the competition and see what is working for them and what isn’t. What niche are they filling and what are they leaving out? What sort of content are they producing and how (and which) are audiences reacting? Once you know what they are up to, don’t be like them! Remember your brand will be successful as long as it is as unique and revolutionary as you are. Use social media to know what you are up against and then stand up to it.
2) Test the Waters
Always remember, your brand is how the outside world perceives your small business. If you’re still at the stage where you’re honing your brand (and really, aren’t we always honing?), consider test-driving new approaches on social media before a full-blown launch. How do people respond? Think of all the money and time and heartache you’ll save if you see how certain images play out online before you commit to print media or splurging on advertising space.
3) Get Brutally Honest Feedback
Now that your branding is in full swing, what do people actually think? Again, all that matters in branding is how you are perceived by the potential client. Social media, when done right, is about having conversations. And what better way to find out what people think of you by conversing with them on Facebook and Twitter? It takes a brave marketer to be open to criticism on social media, but you may never get more meaningful feedback and chance for growth anywhere else.
4) Find Out How Good Your Aim Is
Ever see a brand that seems like it’s “trying too hard” or seemingly unaware that it’s turning off the very people they’re trying to connect with? It’s awful: it’s like a parent trying to prove how hip and cool they are to their teenaged kid. Social media allows you to see not only what people are saying about your brand, but also who is talking about you. Make sure your edgy, quirky brand is not only attracting the tribes you want, but also offending the ones you don’t want!
Need help with your Brand? Contact Kim Speed at Purple Moon Creative today. kspeed@purplemooncreative.com
Need a hand with your business’ brand? Call Kim Speed at Purple Moon Creative today!
