Photo borrowed from Red Stapler Chronicles

Despite the fact that most people nowadays feel more comfortable communicating from behind a computer than speaking in person—Many customers want to feel as though there is someone human on the other end. Confused?

Just because social media is practically synonymous with technology, doesn’t mean you can’t add a highly personal touch to this aspect of your marketing. Customers and potentials are looking for a real connection. They don’t want generic information and if they have a question they don’t want to feel as though it’s getting lost in the shuffle.

Your Face

If your profile photo consists of a logo or advertisement, people are going to shy away from your business. No one wants to feel like they are throwing out questions to some big entity or faceless person.
Instead, put a face to your company. Whether your organization consists of only you, or hundreds of employees, displaying the friendly face of those in charge of your social media profiles will create a more comfortable forum.

Provide Information

Providing useful information is incredibly important. Whether you are answering questions or posting updates on what’s current–keep it clear, concise, informative, and helpful. People will appreciate that they can get information there in addition to redirecting them to your company website.

Maintenance

Your potential customers not only want to have their questions answered completely–but in a timely manner as well. Social profiles need to be maintained on a regular basis. It’s just another way to provide customer service. Say for example, a customer calls your company requesting a quote. Are you going to let them sit in silence on the other end of the phone for days? No! You would either quote them right then and there or tell them you’ll call back when you have more information for them. Social media profiles are much the same. Days of dead space in interaction will result in a loss of interest on their part.

Another important part of maintenance is keeping your company information up to date. You don’t want your Facebook status to say “25% off this week only!” when it was really last week’s sale.

A Peek Behind the Scenes

Shooting a new commercial? Post photos of the shoot. Did someone win employee of the year? Let everyone know with a status update. Did your company win an award or recognition in a publication? Post the link.

People will feel as though they are a part of the inner workings of your organization when you reveal more than what’s seen on the surface. They’ll feel more comfortable and will be more likely to trust you with their business.

Social media should be leveraged in a way where it is an extension of your company and a door to the inside. As impersonal as cyberspace can be, you can personalize your social media efforts and draw in customers seeking that connection—no matter what your business.