How to build a community and grow your business using social media
90% of adults follow their favorite brands on social media. In this video, Natalie Zfat shares with us how to use this platform to attract potential audiences, convert them into customers, and then turn those customers into a loyal and engaged community.
Natalie Zfat is a social media influencer and entrepreneur who has partnered with some of the most iconic brands in the world, including Meta, Samsung, LinkedIn, and American Express.
Zfat’s beloved social media community of hundred-something-thousand followers are dreamers, doers, and entrepreneurs, from college students to CEOs.
When she’s not engaging with them, Natalie loves sharing her thought leadership on TV, at conferences, and at universities – so much so that she earned her higher education Teaching Certificate from Harvard in the spring of 2021.
Successful social media strategy
Social media is a powerful tool for your business to get exposed to new audiences and ultimately gain customers. To benefit from it as a business owner, you need to create valuable content, engage with your followers, and make them want to come back.
Creating a social media strategy can be challenging, but there are a few simple tips that can help you achieve it and build a community of people that will ultimately be champions for your brand.
7 tips to gain customers and build a community using social media
1. Know your audience.
First, you need to know who you’re creating your content for. Who is the customer you want to reach, what social media channels are they using, and what type of content will they find the most valuable? Answering these questions will allow you to create content that resonates.
“First, you need to know who you’re creating your content for.”
2. Know your niche.
To create content that will make an impact, you need to know your niche. What stories can your business uniquely share? What value can you offer? Educate, entertain, inspire. If you can accomplish 2 out of 3 of these in your content, you’re very likely to gain traction and keep people coming back for more.
3. Create compelling content.
Social media is a saturated place. To build a community, you need to start by catching their attention—and fast. Opt for bold colors. Incorporate quick video cuts and interesting, funny, or beautiful visuals that will pique your audience’s interest. It is also a perfect platform for storytelling. Don’t just tell your customers facts, or ask them to do something. Tell them a story and give them an experience.
4. Be social.
Social media is a two-way street. Rather than solely speaking TO your customers, speak with them. Ask questions, listen, engage, and interact. Reach out to people whom you admire and share common values with. This is what keeps people coming back, makes your business approachable, and builds trust.
“Rather than solely speaking TO your customer, speak with them.”
5. Be authentic.
It’s no secret that no one wants to be sold to. Create an online presence that goes beyond pitching products and services, to provide value, education, entertainment, and support. Show the faces behind the brand, creative live content, tell stories, and be vulnerable when it’s appropriate. Let people see behind the scenes. It makes people want to come back, builds trust, and creates loyalty.
“Let people see behind the scenes. It makes people want to come back, builds trust, and creates loyalty.”
6. Be consistent.
You want your audience and potential customers to feel like you’re reliable and interested in developing a relationship with them. To achieve that, create a content calendar filled with content ideas that allow you to be a regular – and valuable – presence on your audience’s feed.
7. Experiment and test.
It’s social media after all. Have fun with it, push the envelope, and learn what really resonates with your unique audience.
*The purpose of this page is solely to provide information and should not be considered as financial advice
**Melio does not provide legal, tax or accounting advice; you should consult a professional advisor before making any financial decisions.
