HOW VENDORS USE FACEBOOK AND INSTAGRAM TO BOOST SALES
Did you know that about three-quarters of Facebook users and approximately six out of ten Instagram users visit these platforms at least once a day? With so many active users, every vendor should take advantage of these platforms to advertise their products right now to current and potential customers.
Social media marketing is a great way to organically reach your audience and build your brand, but only if you do it right. To help you get started, we’ve provided a few tips and tricks. Be sure to implement these social media tactics to increase your chances of boosting sales with new and potential customers. Don’t forget to add vendor insurance to your overall strategy.
Here’s how you can get started:
OPEN A FACEBOOK SHOP
Did you know Facebook has 2.23 billion monthly active users? This platform is a great way to showcase your product line and customers can purchase products directly from your Facebook Shop site.
If you have an online shop, you can promote your next event by:
- Creating an online announcement banner
- Posting your event information
You can learn more about how you can open a Facebook shop here.
CREATE AN EXCLUSIVE FACEBOOK GROUP
Creating your own Facebook group dedicated to your business gives you an opportunity to engage with your customers, nurture your relationships, share company news, and launch exclusive promotions. Since the majority of Facebook users visit the site at least once per day, it’s a great platform to share things related to your business and give them the chance to shop exclusive flash sales and more.
Use your Facebook group to promote your next event by:
- Posting sneak peek pictures of products you will be selling
- Sharing your event information to your followers
- Posting a coupon code that your followers can use at the event
Learn more about how to create a group here.
SAVE YOUR INSTAGRAM STORIES
Instagram stories are discoverable to people not currently following you. A story will last for 24 hours and by using the hashtag feature within stories, you can reach new people in your niche and increase your brand exposure. Save your stories as a highlight on your profile and categorize them by new products, sales, and more!
Use your Instagram story feature to promote your next event by:
- Sharing your product line-up
- Featuring your booth set-up and decor
- Featuring your booth’s location to make it easier for visitors to find you
Tip: You can learn how to take advantage of Instagram stories here.
HOST A GIVEAWAY
Whether it’s a free product from your shop or a popular store gift card, this tactic is a great way to increase online exposure, build your following, and gain new customers.
Giveaway tips:
- Create urgency: Create a short window of time, so people are quick to respond.
- Set rules and expectations: Do you want them to tag friends in the comments? Like or follow your page? It’s up to you! Make sure your audience is aware of the rules and that the rules you set are in accordance with the platform’s guidelines.
- Announce the winner: Don’t leave your audience hanging! Announce the winner in a comment or edit the post. If you want to create a consolation prize, you can offer something valuable like free shipping or a temporary promotion code.
Learn more about different types of giveaways here.
CREATE FEAR OF MISSING OUT
Fear of missing out is a very real thing in customers. You can start out by hosting a flash sale for your products and adding a coupon for free shipping or 10% off their next purchase. You may also want to try limited releases or exclusive items to get customers to want to buy quickly. With the help of social media, you can post sneak peeks of product packages you’re mailing to your customers and generate buzz within your customer base.
With a strong social media marketing strategy, you’ll be able to nurture current customer relationships, engage with potential customers, and turn those connections into sales. Social media is also a relatively inexpensive and effective way to form your brand and tailor your company’s image.
If you aren’t active on social media, make sure to implement these tactics and re-engage with users following your platforms. Last but not least, add vendor insurance to your overall business strategy. It is better to have peace of mind than to experience the financial strain of a lawsuit. Learn more about our vendor liability insurance here.
Which social media tip will you try out today? Let us know in the comments!
