Become an Authority in the Industry

Though you may not see immediate returns, going generously “above and beyond” by adding value to users will pay off ultimately. Social Media is about conversation and engaging your users. It’s about being real and authentic.

It’s well known in “meatspace”, or face-to-face interactions, that people do business with people they like and find trustworthy. An online business has a bigger job in some ways to earn this likability and trust since personal charisma and charm aren’t enough.

Serve Your Audience

Understanding your audience is the first step in providing what they want and need. Who are they? What is is it that you offer that they need and why? Why do they want to do business with you rather than your competitor?

Go beyond the features of your product into the needs and desires of your users. Then, give them that.

For example, you’re selling the latest dog training DVD. Obviously, your audience is dog owners. More specifically, they are dog owners with dog problems or they wouldn’t be looking for a training program. They need answers.

Become the “Go To” Resource

Establish your authenticity and expertise by providing a valuable resource that will show you care about them, their lives and problems, and not just their checkbooks. Rather than just a headline that says “Does your dog need to be potty trained? Buy this DVD!”, offer a complimentary, and linkable, “How To” on housebreaking techniques.

Offer a list of helpful links on your resource page, even if it includes competitors. This tells your audience that you are generous, real and caring. You are trustworthy. It also shows that you believe in your product enough to invite them to visit your competitors for comparison. This resource increases your linkability and will pay off.