Talk about timing: Like most of America, I did wake up and check my social media. I watched videos my clients put out there, responded to messages in my dms, and reached out to a social media friend regarding her health.
I checked my email and started with some weekly coaching to my VIP & new clients. I love those! When I went to check my Instagram, it kept saying that it couldn’t reload my feed. I even checked my Wi-Fi connection, restarted my phone, waited some time, and rechecked it. No Bueno, which proves the point I’m always saying to clients and authors in general:
Social media can be a part of your marketing & sales strategy, but do not focus solely on increasing your sales or new client acquisition. And today proves why.
This isn’t the first time that Facebook and Instagram have been down, and it won’t be the last. But every social media provider has mastered one thing you probably haven’t: creating a successful sales funnel. They are offering a “free service,” but as bad as you want it, you cannot enter without supplying your email and other information they seek. Before offering you their service, they knew what key things they wanted from every customer and asked for that upfront.
Whether their software is up and running or not, social media providers have other ways to communicate with you. They send you things via email based on how they have studied you through your use, actions, etc. They know what you like, the things that interest you, your buying habits, and those of your friends, family, and followers connected to you on social media. They know what to advertise to get you to buy and, believe me, they are PROFITING off of you.
Do you use social media to promote your business? Is there a clear offer, intention, and call to action? Do you provide an opt-in to receive their name and email address? Do they see offers, things to purchase, or more of your image only when they click on your website?
If the above are not Yes, spend more time getting your business’s backend aligned with your social media strategy. (You do know there is supposed to be a strategy to if and how you use social media, right?) If you garner the attention you or your brand is seeking, then what? If they buy thing #1, what’s the following offer? What is your highest level of offerings, and what are the steps to invite people to buy?
Again, social media can help you garner attention, but it’s up to you to know what to do once you get that attention. Or else, you’re wasting your time and losing a lot of money. A LOT of Money.
Alesha Brown, CEO, Fruition Publishing Concierge Services
Editor-in-Chief, Published! Magazine
Award-Winning Entrepreneur|Publisher|Transformational Speaker
