Today, social media has become one of the fastest ways to expose a brand, and it has transformed the way they communicate with consumers. Staying true to your brand’s values is key to inspire trust and create loyalty. With an authentic social media presence, brands have the opportunity to create a community where people feel welcome and safe to engage in different conversations.
Here are 5 ideas on how to amplify your results and ensure you have an authentic brand presence:
1. Define and stay true to your identity
2. Know your audience
3. Deliver value
4. Be consistent
5. Humanize your brand and be honest
Define and stay true to your identity
Before you create a relatable online voice you have to understand your brand’s personality. What is your company about? What does it stand for? Once you establish your personality you will have a better understanding of who your audience is and how to connect with them the right way.
Know Your Audience
You need to know who you are talking to so you can speak their language. Understanding your customers interests and concerns will help you create meaningful content. Do your research! The more you know about your audience, the more you will be able to provide them information that is useful, entertaining and resonates with them.
Deliver Value
To stay fresh in the minds of your followers you have to create content that is memorable. People initially connect with your brand because they are interested in what you offer. To keep them engaged, your posts have to be relevant and offer some type of value. If you post bland advertisements, it will most likely push your followers away. You want to create relationships and have conversations with your customers, so get creative and have some fun with your content.
Be Consistent
Social media is one of the fastest changing industries out there. It might be tempting to adopt new trends but it’s important that the content you create remains constant. Although trends can be opportunities to help your brand evolve, make sure you carefully evaluate them before implementing them. It is important to create the appropriate messaging for your target audience, so make sure your brands tone, voice and aesthetic is echoed throughout all platforms and that you don’t lose your identity along the way.
Humanize Your Brand and Be Honest
As important as it is to showcase an honest picture of your company to earn trust online, it is also extremely important to humanize your brand. People connect better with people than with logos, so show the inside of your company and let your customers feel that they are talking to you as another human being. Embrace your mistakes. Things happen, so instead of trying to cover them up, take responsibility, respond quickly and apologize. Erasing, ignoring or becoming defensive will only affect your brands authenticity.
To become a trustworthy brand you have to be real and approachable. Social media can be a powerful tool, so it is essential to deliver accurately. Follow these tips to create a strong brand presence, but remember, Rome wasn't built in a day and neither will your brand. Keep in mind this is an ongoing process that has to be done with dedication and careful attention.