10 social media and digital marketing tips from Madison’s experts

Are you looking for the latest tips and tricks in social media and digital marketing? This month, I turned to 10 of my favorite local experts to ask what they’ve learned in 2016. Every one of these pros are practitioners of their craft who know from experience what works in real life. Save yourself the time and frustration involved with trial and error by implementing their ideas today.

Stephanie Beirne Leuer — @thestephaniebee

“Make your customers your story. They are your organization’s best advocates. A customer’s story about how your brand has impacted their life is an authentic way to tell the world about you.”

Shane Cicero — @ShaneCicero

“Good and relevant social content drives traffic to your site, but it is the landing page (the URL where your potential customers ‘land’ once they arrive on your web site) that helps close the deal. Make sure your landing page continues that story and leads your customer to making that buying decision. The social ad or post got their attention, but there needs to be more than just a cold order form waiting on the other side.”

Chelsey Dequaine — @ChelseyHelen

“This is social media, so don't forget to be just that — social. While we have to craft strong content on social media to captivate the audience and fulfill a need, we also have to engage, react, and be present with the audience. Be social. Be in the moment. Then you will notice how your audience is in the moment with you. Don’t rely solely on posting content. Being social is key to being successful on social media.”

Andrew Foxwell — @andrewfoxwell and foxwelldigital.com

“Have a story and consider the entire path-to-purchase. With internet marketing, we sometimes think running an ad that says, ‘Click here to buy!’ is enough to get someone to buy. But who does that in real life? You don’t walk into a store and start yelling in someone's face ‘15% OFF!’

“Take the time to help your customer along their path using Facebook and Instagram ad tools. Use your story and unique value propositions to help them understand who you are, what you’re about, and why you’re the best. Then when it comes time to purchase the answer will be obvious for them.”

Josh Klemons — @reverbalC and joshklemons.com

“Don’t sell; build. Build trust, communities, and relationships. Remember that every Like or Follower is a real person and treat them as such.

“Add value to the lives of your audience, both current and potential. Make it clear it’s not all about the sales funnel.

“Encourage your audience to join you in telling your story. Do this by engaging with their content, responding to their questions and comments, and by sharing/retweeting content they write about you and your brand. It’s always better to let others say how great you are than to try and say it yourself.”

Derek Notman — @theintrepidllc and intrepidwealthpartners.com

“Instead of trying to create your own followers from scratch, go where people already are! Learning this tip — by focusing my efforts on telling my story and educating people where they already are — has been a great way to build awareness for my brand, which ultimately has led to more followers for me.”

(Continued)

Emily Olson — talentcpa.com

“When I meet with clients — when there are good ideas that come about — I write them down and blog about them later. That way, I can just direct people to my website when they ask questions. I’m getting better at that, as I have items that I send (via email) on a routine basis and can just put those steps and links on the web site.”

Dexter Patterson — @drpatterson2

“Do your best; hire the rest!”

Margie Romani — @margieromani

“1. Don't be afraid to take ‘brand right’ risks in order to gain a deeper understanding of your audience. Pay attention to the analytics and what’s resonating with your customers — it can be much different than you think. Also, what’s relevant with one channel’s social audience might be quite different on another social channel.

“2. If you don’t have a style guide, create one. A style guide can really help keep you on track and using a cohesive voice across platforms.”

Don Stanley — @3rhinomedia and 3rhinomedia.com

“Make it your mission to go deep with your core audience. Don’t fixate on the size of your audience. Truly serve the needs of your most important audience members.

“Too often we focus on acquiring new connections via social (the numbers game) rather than taking care of our existing customers and most valuable fans. This happens in life as well as in social. We often take for granted those who are our biggest supporters and champions. Work to change that in 2017!

“Give your MVPs (most valuable people) the attention and access they deserve. Not only will they love you for this, they will also share your message with their friends and networks. This will help you build your base with highly qualified people because word-of-mouth is still the best and most powerful form of marketing.”

And from your humble writer — @spencerXsays and spencerXsmith.com

Social media is the greatest means ever invented to help other people look good. If you’ve ever wondered to yourself, “What should I share?” think first about other people and help highlight their stories.

What have you learned this year with regard to social media and digital marketing? Please let us know in the comments.

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