Navigating the sea of B2B social media strategies can often seem daunting.
First and foremost, it’s crucial to acknowledge a key piece of advice. Before diving into any strategy, you must intimately understand your audience. Are they avant-garde techies who skim blogs alongside their morning espresso shots? Or are they time-starved professionals to whom the latest tech trends barely register? You might even cater to both demographics.
Don’t be lured by the simplicity of a given strategy; instead, opt for one that engages your particular audience effectively. Here are some accessible social media B2B approaches to help streamline your digital marketing approach.
The Power of LinkedIn
LinkedIn’s member base recently hit a sizable milestone of 200 million individuals, with a substantial portion of these members based in the United States.
But what’s really remarkable is the presence of top brass from every Fortune 500 company on the platform, utilizing it for a plethora of professional activities including recruitment, networking, and reconnecting with old colleagues. If connecting with leading executives is your aim, LinkedIn is where you should be.
So, what’s the best way to leverage this network?
Engage on the platform regularly. Utilize the groups feature to network with like-minded professionals in your industry.
Engaging in group discussions is a great way to establish yourself within these circles. While you can join up to 50 groups, focusing on roughly a dozen that align with your goals is a good starting point.
And here’s a slightly unconventional tip: consistently engage with your contacts. It may sound odd, but just like in-person networking, the more you interact and add value, the better your chances of expanding your business.
For additional insights on generating leads through LinkedIn, have a look at this article: http://growmap.com/linkedin-lead-generation/
The Blogosphere Beckons
If you’re looking to broaden your reach beyond LinkedIn, consider blogging. The right strategy can unlock both search engine and social media traffic for substantial and sustainable results.
Blogging is a phenomenal way to attract traffic and leads, though it can be quite demanding time-wise. Patience is key, as most blogs take at least six months to pick up steam.
Consistency is crucial in blogging; regular posts encourage Google to send traffic your way. The more content you create, the more likely readers are to encounter your calls to action and appreciate the value you offer, providing a window into your services.
Promotion doesn’t stop at publishing; you need to broadcast your work across social platforms and via email to your subscriber list. Search traffic is a boon, but it shouldn’t be your initial focus – consider it a welcome extra.
A fantastic blogging platform is WordPress, which comes loaded with convenient social sharing options and SEO-enhancing plugins.
Webinars as a Lead Magnet
When executed effectively, webinars become a powerhouse in pulling in prospects. They allow for a depth of content delivery and salesmanship that other platforms can’t match.
Ensure your webinars are packed with valuable insights that will impress attendees. The more attendees you have, the more potential clients you’ll attract.
A straightforward way to promote webinars is to offer them for free to new LinkedIn contacts and showcase them on your blog, so your readership can sign up for upcoming events. Spreading the word is key to drawing in a larger audience.
Additionally, platforms like Dabble.Co can assist in consistently attracting new participants by capping class pricing at $20.
Moreover, webinars can seamlessly integrate with your offline activities. Inviting people you meet during sales pitches or networking events to a free webinar often serves as an effective funnel, better than pushing for an immediate sale.
The B2B social media strategies outlined are merely a starting point for connecting with your clientele. Focus less on the platform itself and more on how it facilitates interaction with your business prospects.
Which social media B2B techniques have worked for you? Share your successes and recommendations in the comments.
Featured image/thumbnail, social smiles image via Shutterstock.
