How do you get more social media followers?

by Amanda Hoffmann  | Featured Contributor

When I present a workshop in front of small business owners about social media, the same question is asked.

How many followers do I need to have?

My answer in return has often been;

How long is a piece of string?

In my opinion, the number of followers you have is not what’s important. Your focus should be on your client’s needs and finding solutions for them. By doing so you can develop a social media strategy that will work.

Question 1

Who is my ideal avatar or client?  

Have you taken the time to have a coffee with your clients and get to know them?

• Do you know what keeps them up at night?
• Are they married with a family or are they single?
• What do they like to do when they relax or go on holiday?

Without asking yourself these questions, how are you going to post social media updates that they are interested in, or write a blog they want to read?

Question 2

What is your specialty or “niche”?

In my early years of business as a mobile bookkeeper, I was trying to be all things to all people. I was working long hours, travelling all over the state, working on slow outdated computers and at times in extremely dirty conditions. My customers expected me to be clairvoyant, a magician and work for nothing. Put simply, I hated my work!

As the years passed I found that I loved the simplicity and time effectiveness of cloud accounting. This is where I began to find my “niche”. It also allowed me to focus on what I was good at. This is where you need to analyse your business and see where your expertise is.

Ask yourself

• What aspect of your business do you love doing?
• What pays the most and is highly valued by your clients?
• What service or product do you get the most compliments from?

Now that you know your who your customer is and what your good at? What is the next question to consider?

Question 3

What do your clients want to know, read or be educated about?

What does a really bad day look like for your client?

My friend Alison Vidotto once told me : What does a really bad day for your customer look like?

Take some time to think about this one, by doing so you will be able to create a long list of sensational topics that your customers will love to read and share.

Question 4

What social media platforms are being used by your clients?

This is a very important question to ask yourself that leads onto even more questions.

• Are they using apps on their smart phones?
• Do they like to sit in their office and use a desktop?
• Are they young, mature or elderly?
• Would they be on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest or LinkedIn?

As a child I recall that my father loved to fish, but he wasn’t very good at it. He failed to do any research about what fish were biting, the right type of hook to use and where they would most likely be found lurking / feeding. My husband on the other hand is an excellent fisherman. He likes to ask the locals about the right type of hook, bait to use and even where their favorite fishing spots are. The same can apply to social media use.

Have you asked the right questions to catch your fish?

I tried social media and it didn’t work!

Social media is a tool like any other in your business. Successful social media requires planning, thought, strategy and commitment over a medium duration of time. In fact, I would say it can take up to 3 months of consistent effort to gain one new customer. It will not work overnight and anyone who tells it does is wanting to sell you something.

While this might not be what you want to hear, there are no fast tracks. If you are not prepared to do it yourself right, be prepared to spend a lot of money to employ the services of a company who can.

Too expensive did I hear you say? If that is the case you are going to need patience, be prepared to spend time to be educated and be willing to learn from experience.

The benefits of getting your social media strategy right, are multiple. Not only will you gain new customers, but your warmth and genuine interest will also delight your existing ones.

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Amanda Hoffmann – Sensational Entrepreneur, Bookkeeper Extraordinaire and loves Social Media

Hi, I’m Amanda Hoffmann and live in Brisbane, Australia. I am passionate about business and social media. I currently juggle being a mother of four school-aged children and run three businesses in completely different fields. While challenging, I believe they keep me thinking outside of the box. I have always loved being busy and I believe it is a mixture of my “can do” attitude and loving life that allows me to accomplish so much. Oh, not liking to sleep much certainly does help!

I started managing my first business over 18 years ago but sold it when I decided to start a family. I was unable to envision at the time how I could run a business and still be a dedicated mother. Since I now run three businesses and have a large family, I have found being organised and prioritising is the secret to success.

What are my businesses you might ask? My Office Books Virtual Bookkeeping, Kidd House Accommodation specialising in fully furnished accommodation for both students and professionals and Co-Founder of a new Social Media start-up called The Likeability Company helping SME’s get the most out of using social media and building communities.

I would like to share my experience in small business and answer any questions you might have regarding office organisation, cloud technology and share my experience in property investment.

I personally am fascinated by social media, particularly the fast pace of twitter and exploring the world of blogging. I invite you share my journey and get to know each other.

Twitter – Blog – Pinterest – Facebook – Google+

Amanda Hoffmann

http://www.myofficebooks.com/