3 Ways to Woo

How to help consumers fall in love with your brand on social media

Let’s be honest, branded social content is rarely sexy. It’s actually more comparable to that annoying kid in school that would always show up to parties uninvited.

Branded content is awkward.

Branded content is untimely.

Branded content is out of place.

This isn’t because people don’t want to hear from brands… it’s because most brands don’t publish anything cool enough to garner attention.

From its onset, social media has been a popularity contest. Whether we like it or not, being successful online is all about winning the attention battle that we’ve been fighting our entire lives.

This is true for individuals. This is true for brands.

The thirst is real.

Your audience is demanding, ruthless, and fickle. Naturally, your ability to appeal to their demands will largely determine your effectiveness. Convince them that they enjoy hearing from you. Make them want you. Become a social sex symbol.

This is no easy task for most. Some brands are born cool. Others have to work at it. The good news is, all it takes is a makeover. So, in honor of Valentine’s Day…I’m going to teach you 3 Ways to Woo your audience through social content. What I like to call the 3 E’s of Engagement.

1. Entertain

Entertainment is the gateway to consumer’s hearts. Your viewers have emotions. And if you’re not publishing content that’s entertaining, then you’re not effectively appealing to them. Think about why people are on these platforms to begin with. They get up there to laugh, cry, dream…reminisce.

Stand out by stimulating an emotional response.

Undoubtedly, the default entertainment strategy for most brands is humor. Too many marketers want to be comedians. Laughter is powerful, but there are additional ways to delight your fan base besides being funny.

Be dramatic. Be suspenseful. Be unpredictable. Make them remember you.

2. Educate

Everyone can agree, being smart is sexy. But giving away some of your knowledge? That has the potential to make you downright irresistible. Use this to your advantage.

Publish content that makes people smarter.

Some of the best social campaigns are centered around content that educates. Educating your audience is all about adding value. People pay attention when they feel like you’re giving something away.

• Tips and Tricks
• How To’s
• Life Hacks

Hook your followers with valuable information that improves their perceived quality of life. If communicated effectively, this will earn their trust… and (as a marketer) trust is the most coveted prize that you can acquire.

3. Enlighten

This is where you get to tell your story. Every marketer needs to master the art of talking about themselves. When done in moderation, it can actually connect with your audience on an intimate level.

People are drawn to great storytellers.

Learn how to deliver information about your business in engaging ways. This will deepen consumers relationships and foster brand advocates. Use social platforms to publish information about your business that isn’t readily available through other channels.

Not only share news and information, but also be transparent about your company’s goals, aspirations and fears. Allow your brand a certain vulnerability.

People are drawn to great storytellers.

Social engagement is only as powerful as the communication tools that you utilize. Don’t be afraid to leverage all the platforms that are available to you. Every piece of content you post should have the power to become a topic of conversation. If it isn’t, you need to seriously reconsider your posting strategy.

Remember great content can go a long way…but it’s only one piece to your holistic social puzzle, and should be considered as such. Always keep in mind the #1 rule of social media: you have to actually BE SOCIAL.

This requires more than just talking. It’s about listening, interacting, and having fun.