7 Secrets to Utilizing Online Platforms

 
04/01/2022



By Hannah Boothe,

Every entrepreneur or small business owner dreams of big profits and reaching the global market. And although there’re many ways you can grow your business, using online platforms is among the most successful ways to market your enterprise. With more than 7 billion people using smartphones worldwide, every successful business is invested in online marketing. Online marketing helps you to drive traffic to your business. However, understanding how you can utilize online platforms is the key to success. Read on to understand how you can grow your business by utilizing online platforms.

1. Know The Latest Trends and Changes

The first step towards successfully utilizing online platforms is being informed and up to date. You should be quick to notice when the trends are changing and act shiftily. One way you can know new trends is through publications and digital influences. Again, if you have a social media page, ensure to follow big brands and keep a close eye, and they’ll most likely be up to date with any changes or trends. This includes researching the statistics for the online platforms you use and which do people use more often.

2. Establish a Personal Relationship/Connection with Clients

The traditional way of marketing mainly focuses on selling. However, nowadays, consumers want to establish a real relationship with you built on trust. As such, you need to engage with your clients more and address any questions or concerns they might have. Don’t forget to keep them entertained. Another way you can connect with your customers is through sharing your brand story. That way, they’re able to know what sets you apart from other businesses and the value they gain when they partner with you. Remember, most people find it off-putting when you post too many promotions.

3. Gifts and Bonuses

Everyone is looking to save up some cash. And gifting is how you show your clients that you value them. Furthermore, you will be able to strengthen your relationship. Gifts and bonuses trigger the endowment effect, which makes the individual feel like part of the business, creating a prompt positive brand association.

4. Video Marketing

As a marketer, video marketing is not something you want to ignore. People love watching interesting, fun, and entertaining videos and as such, utilizing the use of videos is another way to attract potential customers to your page. When making a marketing video, the first thing you want to do is ensure it’s of good quality. Again, your videos should be short, fun, and entertaining. Most importantly, you want to make sure that they’re relevant and convey a pertinent message to the consumer.


5. Craft Your Content Strategically

Every piece of information you post on any online platform should be relevant and well thought out. Posting irrelevant information online portrays you as unprofessional and untrustworthy. Before posting on any platform, you need to understand its purpose. For example, Instagram and TikTok are great places for visual content, while LinkedIn Outreach will be perfect for B2B audiences.


6. Integrate Contests to Hype Your Audience

Contests are a great way to increase engagement and encourage sharing. Consider promoting the contests on a paid ad to attract more audiences to your page. Moreover, this is perfect for anyone looking to grow their mailing list. Often, people can easily share their personal information when there’s a prize involved.

7. Be Consistent

Consistency is key to every successful form of marketing, and online platforms are no exceptions. Most online platform posts will require you to be active online multiple times a day. Remember that your followers are also flowing many other brands online. Therefore, if you aren’t publishing new content and constantly engaging with your customers, they’ll most likely forget you.
 
Another way you can utilize online platforms is by partnering with influencers and other businesses. That way, you can reach more audiences and create brand awareness. Remember, your customers are people too. As such, they too want to feel appreciated and listened to. Therefore, ensure you reply to their messages and inquiries. To make them feel truly valued, use their name if possible whenever addressing them. Even a simple thank you can go a long way. In the event of a bad review or customer dissatisfaction, apologize to them and inquire how you can rectify the issue or what you can do to better the service in the future.


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