Social media presence and campaigns for ecommerce brands are table stakes. Brands know they need accounts on every network that their audience visits regularly. This is even more important for any brand targeting younger consumers — 80% of Gen Z shoppers say they have been influenced by social media when making purchases online.
But what are the best ways to use social media for your ecommerce business? Not every campaign lands or yields the results brands expect. Here are some ideas for social media campaigns that will help you drive traffic and find new customers.
1. Highlight customer testimonials, success stories and inspiration
Millennial and Gen Z shoppers crave authenticity and social proof from other consumers who look like them. Nothing is more powerful than a satisfied customer. Use social media to highlight customer testimonials or success stories. This is a great way to build trust and confidence in your business.
2. Share behind-the-scenes content
Use your platforms to give customers details they would not get anywhere else. People love getting a peek behind the scenes. Use social media to share behind-the-scenes content from your business. This is a great way to build rapport and connect with your customers.
3. Share user-generated content
User-generated content is a great way to show off your products or services in a real-world setting. Use social media to share user-generated content, and be sure to give credit to the original poster. User-generated content is precious, and sharing it on your brand page builds brand loyalty with the customer and inspires other creators to share content about your brand.
4. Announce new products or services
Make some noise about new and exciting developments in your brand by leveraging your social accounts to announce new products or services. This is a great way to generate interest and excitement about your business. Teasing a product drop before it happens can also build some early buzz.
5. Host a Q&A session
Bring the human side to your social media accounts. A Q&A session is a great way to connect with your customers and answer their questions. For instance, Instagram stories allow brands to anonymously post user questions and respond to them with video or text. Be sure to promote it in advance and have an engaging host who is well known by your audience.
6. Share tips or advice
Consumers want to follow accounts that are engaging and helpful. If you are an expert in your field, use social media to share tips or advice with your followers. This type of campaign solidifies your brand as an authority or thought leader and keeps customers coming back to learn more and share with friends.
7. Partner with an influencer
Nearly every ecommerce brand can benefit from a well-positioned collaboration. Influencers have a huge following on social media, and their endorsement can do wonders for your business. Find an influencer who aligns with your brand and products, and work with them to promote your business on their channels. Instead of looking only at follower numbers, consider if they have a niche but engaged audience and whether or not their style aligns with what you are looking for.
Not all social media campaigns are created equal. Before embarking on creating any campaigns, think carefully about where your audience spends their time and how they want to engage with you as a brand. Consumers go to social media platforms to engage with their friends or topics of interest, so ensure whatever you create adds to that experience instead of pulling them out of it.
Shoppers are looking for brands that can deliver exceptional omnichannel brand experiences. Learn how to expand your brand’s reach and improve customer loyalty with performance marketing solutions from ESW. Contact an ecommerce expert today to get started.
