Are you thinking about launching your own online store? In particular a thrift store? Well with “4.57 billion people using the internet” and “3.81 billion active social media users worldwide”, it is crucial you know the social media tactics to successfully reach these users (SMPerth 2020). But first:
Do you have a plan?
Before diving head first into the market you must have a solid plan. This includes identifying goals and objectives, because how will you know which direction to move if you don’t know where you’re going. A detailed analysis of the market and competitors will also create a foundation to work off.
Have you selected the BEST platforms?
Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Snapchat, Pinterest. It doesn’t matter how many platforms you use unless you research and find the best combination to drive traffic, increase sales and enhance your brand image. Revise your goals, look at platforms competitors and audiences are already using and combine with the type of content you want to share (DMI blog) . Instagram and snapchat prove most effective for reaching millennials however, Facebook is one of the largest platforms and data shows 84% of millennials still use it (Pew, 2019).
How well do you know your audience?
It is crucial to understand who you will be targeting as guide to what content you will be posting, it’s relevance, the vocabulary you will be using and the way you engage your followers (DMI Blog, 2020).
Have you made a content schedule?
You have selected the most appropriate social media platforms and you have a better understanding of you audience, now it’s time to make a content schedule. You can download apps like ‘When to Post’, to ensure you are posting the right things at the right time. This strategy will help you to inform, educate and engage with your intended audience (Newberry, 2019). Often thrift stores receive a lot of new products so its important to stay up-to date on sharing new arrivals with customers and showing them what you’ve got.
Does your content stand out?
Are the images you’re sharing meeting visual standards and standing out from competitors. If Instagram is your main platform for marketing, the way it looks is everything. If your platforms aren’t aesthetically pleasing, easy to navigate, and lack creativity people will move on. Be different and stand out.
You must create a presence
Stay active, communicate with customers, create a community, reply to comments and direct messages, answer questions, address complaints. By engaging with your audience and creating a presence online, people will be more attracted to follow/like your page. Ensure you are maintaining a constant voice and sticking to your brand values (DMI Blog, 2020).
Build Relationships and Say Thank You
Similar to creating and maintaining a presence its crucial you build meaningful relationships with customers. Engage with your audience, provide quality customer service but ultimately try to create a community. You can also do this by showing appreciation. Social media platforms are for sharing – share/repost user generated content and comment/like posts of people wearing your products (Moran, 2018). If Instagram is being used, tag influencers and have them promote your brand to generate awareness. Increased popularity on Instagram also gives you free exposure as you rise in the social algorithm (Newberry, 2019).
Use tools to track and monitor everything!
Tracking, monitoring and analysing online is one of the most important social media tactics in 2020 (Kim, 2019). By measuring your performance you can understand what is and isn’t working before it’s too late. Also, with the internet and available technologies, this has become easier than ever. Useful resources include Facebook Analytics, page insights, key word reports, Twitter analytics (DMI Blog, 2020).
Good luck with launching your very own online store and remember these tactics to improve your social media marketing strategies!
References:
Detweiler, G, Moran, B and Allbusiness 2018, ‘10 Expert Social Media Tips To Help Your Small Business Succeed’, Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/allbusiness/2018/03/27/10-expert-social-media-tips-to-help-your-small-business-succeed/#61ec201c14a1
DMI Blog 2020, ‘10 ways small businesses can improve their social media presence’, Digital Marketing Institute. https://digitalmarketinginstitute.com/blog/10-ways-small-businesses-can-improve-their-social-media-presence
Kim, L 2019, ‘ 10 social media tactics every marketer should employ in 2020’, Quintly. https://www.quintly.com/blog/social-media-tactics-2020
Newberry, C 2019, ‘How to Use Social Media for Small Business: 11 Simple Tips’, Hootsuite. https://blog.hootsuite.com/social-media-tips-for-small-business-owners/
Pew Research Center 2019, ‘Since 2012, use of Facebook has grown faster among older generations’, PRC, Washington, DC. https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2019/09/09/us-generations-technology-use/ft_19-09-03_digitaldividegenerations_2/
SMP 2020, ‘This is it. The ultimate list of social media statistics that you need to know in 2020’. Social Media Perth. https://www.smperth.com/resources/2020-social-media-statistics/