Showing posts with label Social Media Marketing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Social Media Marketing. Show all posts

Tuesday, June 2, 2026

The Art Of Winning Social Media Conversions?


Advertisers frequently reference the magic of social media as a way to boost conversions and engagement in consumers..

And, in fact, social media has evolved into the go-to solution for helping users locate niche products and be persuaded to take the plunge (convert).



Some of the biggest platforms -- X, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, -- are associated with some of the biggest and most consistent of these conversions.

One big reason for social media's success in this regard is its similarity, in today's digital age, to the marketing and sales procedures that ruled the traditional pre-internet era: In those years, the best salespeople commonly focused on building a relationship and trust with customers first before they began dropping hints about their product in the context of an "advisory" role.

In short, these salespeople didn't suddenly jump from making a contact to selling the product outright. So, the argument could be made that social media continues this tradition. It too builds a relationship and trust in an audience or clientele as a way to prime them for conversion.

Studies support this notion: According to Instagram's own reports, 80 percent of people who use the platform already follow a business. Also, those that already follow a brand or business are more inclined to be engaged with, and increase awareness about, that business. What's going on here is people's trust in "social proof": It's something customers look for in order to make decisions.

How can your business make use of this psychology? Here are some of the easiest ways to capitalize on it and get more conversions via social media:



1. Create unique content for each specific platform you target.

Much the way applicants submit supplementary essays when applying to multiple colleges, you should create content for, and gear it to, the specific audience expectations of the media platform you're targeting. Writing content that is native to a platform greatly increases the chances that its audience will accept it.

2. Use more than just links to promote your content.

When you post on platforms like Facebook or Instagram, you cannot rely only on a stream of links to boost your conversion rates. As noted before, hard-selling customers quickly turns them off to a business. To avoid giving your audience this negative impression on social media, you should promote your business by providing meaningful, interesting content users think is fun and genuine.

3. Keep track of your traffic.

As a basic rule of thumb, know which links and outlets are attracting the greatest amounts of traffic to your business's commercial pages. There are a ton of resources that can help you simplify this monitoring process, like Google's URL builder, which helps you capture important data about a specific link in the name of the link itself.



4. Know whom to target.

There are a number of ways to do this. Keep in mind that these methods should be designed to fit one platform, to produce the best results. Look at the sample platform, Instagram. In order to track the prime influencers in your niche, you might use a service like Ninja Outreach. Ninja Outreach specializes in finding influencers based on data associating certain keywords and their relevance and popularity on the platform of certain influencers.

5. Leverage existing professional relationships with marketers and influencers.

If you have a good working relationship with a number of marketers and influencers already, you can easily ask them to throw you a bone every now and then through a Twitter post or Facebook tag. First, think of relatively inexpensive things that marketers and influencers can do. Then, just reach out and ask them to mention your business in a tweet or tag back to your business in a relevant Facebook post.

While that may appear like a small gesture, it actually makes a huge difference in helping promote lead generations for your business.



6. Provide an easy, discreet log-in system.

So, users have begun clicking on your promotional link: Now, what? If you're thinking ahead a few steps, you should realize that making them feel welcome and providing a convenient medium for them to purchase through is key to increasing conversions. The easiest way to do this is to set up a social login system which lets users sign-up with a Facebook or Google+ account. Make it a point to not slam the login request in the face of a user with an involuntary pop-up or fade, as this may drive away inquisitive users with low commitment.

7. Make your checkout process simple.

If you make a checkout process too complex or long, you may find that users who'd intended to buy a product will change their mind halfway through. You want to keep their enthusiasm and interest for your product going strong as they fill in credit card details or a PayPal address. Having a payment system in place that can process a number of different mediums while being clean and efficient will greatly expedite the payment process. The less time that users spend in the waiting line, the less time they'll have to reconsider or second-guess a purchasing choice.

What can your site do to help you improve the conversion rates for your business?

Guest Authored By AJ Agrawal. AJ He is CEO and Co-Founder of Alumnify, an alumni-engagement platform. He's a Growth Marketer, Entrepreneur and Content Creator for Entrepreneur, Forbes, FastCompany and Fortune Magazine. Follow AJ on Twitter.





There are two main actions to consider when you're trying to get more conversions through social media:

The first is tracking social analytics; and the second is ensuring that your website and landing pages have strong calls-to-action and smooth account systems in place to attract and retain new customers..


    • Authored by:
      Fred Hansen Pied Piper of Social Media Marketing at YourWorldBrand.com & CEO of Millennium 7 Publishing Co. in Loveland, Colorado. I work deep in the trenches of social media strategy, community management and trends.  My interests include; online business educator, social media marketing, new marketing technology, skiing, hunting, fishing and The Rolling Stones..-Not necessarily in that order ;)
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    Monday, May 18, 2026

    Mastering YOUR Live Social Media Marketing?


    Social media marketing: How to master the art of going live..

    More than possibly ever before, social media is all about being in the moment. It’s no wonder then that live video capabilities have been adopted by multiple social platforms as of late.



    Going live is an excellent way to engage with audiences and can open up a business to new opportunities.

    Due to its immediate nature, going live allows people to experience what your business is doing and react in real time.

    Live video can be a huge asset for companies that know what they’re doing, have a clear brand vision and are prepared. Otherwise, an unintended message, image or event may make its way through to potential clients.

    To help you create a successful live video and avoid any pitfalls, we asked 15 members of Forbes Agency Council to share their top tips for creating a masterful live video marketing campaign. Their answers are below:




    1. Plan Ahead

    Do your research in advance. Time your video when your audience is most active, and promote it ahead of time as if it were an event. Include what you’ll cover in the video and tease an announcement. During the live stream, remember you’re in a two-way conversation; reply in real time to comments users post as you stream. Throughout the video, tease the announcement that will come at the end. -Kathy Broderick Selker, Northlich

    Related Article: YOUR Video Content Is King?


    2. Give Your Audience Something They'll Value

    You're competing with friends, family, celebrity crushes, etc. for attention, so you really want to hook the audience within the first few seconds and make a good first impression. Be prepared. Avoid tech mishaps by testing things in advance, and give the audience an experience they can't get elsewhere or a glimpse into something they want to be a part of. Make it worth their time. -Mae Cromwell, PACIFIC

    3. Optimize For YouTube

    YouTube is the planet’s second biggest search engine (next to Google) and consistently outperforms other social platforms when it comes to conversions. In addition, YouTube is incredibly cost-effective when it comes to placing video ads. High conversion and cost-effective ad placement are what defines a successful video campaign. -Randy Soderman, Soderman Marketing



    4. Repost And Amplify

    Delivering your message to your target audience via a "live" video is a great first step. To keep the momentum going, repost the video to your platforms along with targeted ad buys. This ensures that the video is seen by your target audience, and they get introduced to your message in a creative, dynamic form. -Danielle Wiley, Sway Group

    5. Make It Worth It

    Our most successful live videos have offered viewers one of two things: a big announcement or behind-the-scenes content. When your brand delivers a moment consumers feel is fun, exciting and worth their time, they'll continue to tune in to future live videos. -Jess Cook, TMV Group

    Related Article: YOUR Social Media Brand Screenplay?


    6. Prebuild An Audience

    If you interview an expert or multiple experts like a live summit and they're in a complimentary niche that will provide tremendous benefit to your audience, this would be a great first step to getting traction. Be sure to promote the live stream at least three days in advance. The final tip is to have everyone on the stream like, comment and share it in exchange for a reward. -Imran Tariq, WebMetrix Group LLC

    7. Be Consistent

    Consistency helps with reputation, search engines and with building good customer relationships. Each video campaign should be consistent with the brand's image and include graphics/sounds that customers identify with the brand. Also, consistency in terms of content schedule can help with loyalty because people know that on that specific day, they will have something to look forward to. -Daniela Pavan, The Ad Store New York



    8. Know Your Role

    The reality in the live video game is that you need to know the role you play in the conversation with your audience. You need to know what your customer is expecting you to be -- social and fun, corporate and informative, product-focused, culture-focused or maybe just impromptu free-form opinionated. If you choose the wrong path, you won't be able to keep an audience. -Paul E. Benninghove, Phalanx Digital Inc.

    9. Give Them A Reason To Keep Watching

    Start strong and give them a reason to keep watching. When users join your live feed, they decide in seconds whether or not to continue to watch. To support this, you want the number of people watching to increase, so help them stick around by making your live content engaging. Once you're known for your live content, people will want to catch it every time you go live. -Benjamin Collins, Laughing Samurai



    10. Show, Don't Tell

    Avoid branded content that comes off as too promotional or self-serving. Instead, use live video to engage with audiences and amplify connectivity through real-time content. Themes like how to, did you know, where to find, what we learned, steps to take, etc. offer solutions to viewers they’re likely seeking. The raw, unrehearsed content is relatable, becomes reliable and is fun to share. -Fiona Bruder, George P. Johnson (GPJ) Marketing Experience

    11. Get Live Feedback In Real Time

    The voice of the customer is essential in building brand loyalty. There are myriad ways to make the most of reviews. When orchestrating brand experiences in a live setting, the immediacy of customer feedback can be extremely powerful. Social media walls and broadcasting feedback throughout an event can create an authentic and organic buzz about your brand with very little effort or investment. -Chris Cavanaugh, Freeman



    12. Have A Strong Call To Action

    The key to any campaign is the call to action. When we're doing live video streams, it's easy to forget to plug the call to action in at some point. However, be mindful that it doesn't interrupt the users' experience and causes them to drop off. Go live about 15 minutes before your scheduled stream to remind your followers that you're about to go live and ask them to invite their friends. -Danielle Sabrina, Tribe Builder Media

    13. Start With The Narrative

    Live video storytelling is only as good as the story. When thinking about adding a live video component, first determine what the narrative of this program will be and why video is a good way to share that. A great video narrative is engaging and should fuel a conversation among the audience. It should inspire people to share, comment and invite others to view along. -Daryl McCullough, Citizen Relations



    14. Mix It Up

    By combining "talking heads" expert commentary with product photo stills and stock photography or video, you can provide the viewer with a richer, multi-sensory experience, while at the same time limiting the time and expense involved with traditional video production. It means being more creative with your storyboard skills, but it is well worth it. -Francine Carb, Markitects, Inc.

    15. Use Premieres On Facebook

    One of the major challenges for brands using live video is quality control (poor camera angles, potentially incorrect product claims, etc.). But the positives are increased exposure because the algorithms favor video right now. Facebook recently launched "Premieres," which lets brands premiere a pre-recorded video just like they would a live video. It's a great way to share quality work "live."-Jim Tobin, Carusele

    Guest Authored By Forbes Agency Council. Forbes Agency Council is an invitation-only organization for executives in successful public relations, media strategy, creative and advertising agencies. Find out if you qualify. Follow Forbes Agency Council on X.





    Get ready to have your best year on social media yet.

    Following these tips, not only will you get more likes and follows than ever before, but you'll gain more loyal customers too..

      • Post Crafted By:
        Fred Hansen Pied Piper of Social Media Marketing at GetMoreHere.com & CEO of Millennium 7 Publishing Co. in Loveland, CO. where I work deep in the trenches of social media strategy, community management and trends.  My interests include; online business educator, social media marketing, new marketing technology, skiing, hunting, fishing and The Rolling Stones..-Not necessarily in that order ;)
      Published by at 2 comments:
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      Monday, May 11, 2026

      Finding YOUR 'Warm' Ecommerce Customers?



      Four Simple ways to use social media to find 'warm' ecommerce customers..

      These 'warm' customers are just like Goldilocks' -- interested in the porridge that's 'just right.' They're also exactly the people you want to target.



      Back in the good old days, businesses drove commerce by buying ads in the local newspaper, renting space on a billboard or calling people out of a phone book.

      Customers came to a physical storefront to do their shopping, and each business had a very limited geographical sphere that it worked in.

      What a different world we have today: Many businesses don't have a physical storefront or even see their customers. They sell to people all over the planet, and instead of buying ad space in the local paper, they compete for SEO rankings.

      As the world of commerce continues to change, the role of social media in that world has only become bigger. The average person in 2018 spent 45 minutes on social media every day, and the trend toward shopping online straight and even getting there direct from social media sites continues to grow. Already, companies without a social media presence are starting to seem irrelevant.

      Of course social media platforms are packed with all kinds of people, but as the leader of an ecommerce business, you probably know that most of those people shouldn't concern you. Instead, your main source of growth is going to come from the golden and sometimes elusive "warm" customer.



      You know who these people are: people with whom you already have at least a fledgling relationship.

      They know about your brand; they may follow you on social media; they just haven't bought anything -- yet. Though other customers have their good points, "Goldilocks" should be your focus when you're building up your customer base. Aim for the porridge that's not too hot (current customers who have already bought), not too cold (people with no knowledge of or interest in you), but just right.

      The problem is, it can be tricky finding these warm customers. Sure, you're checking your follower lists and website traffic. But what exactly do you look for? What can you do to help them take the next step and buy?

      Here are a few ideas to help you find them among the social media crowds:



      1. Take advantage of all of Facebook's nifty tools.

      Though most companies have a Facebook page and use the platform for paid advertising, few have taken the time to figure out how useful some of the platform's analytic tools actually can be.

      If you set up a Facebook pixel to track your website traffic (and online store purchases), you can later use that data to target your social media advertising directly at the people using your site.

      You can also use Facebook to create lookalike audiences, where you take an audience you already know (people who have already purchased from your store, for example) and set Facebook to target users most similar to that audience. This means people of a similar age, interests and demographics; these are the audience members already "warmer" to you than the average Joe.

      Last, you can create audiences on Facebook based on their engagement. Target people who have interacted with your Facebook page or Instagram business profile before, and you'll be able to catch those leads who find your brand attractive enough to have checked out your social media presence.



      2. Make impulse buying easier on Pinterest and Instagram.

      Very often, "warm" customers are already following your social media channels or looking at your posts; they just haven't committed enough to take the plunge and buy.

      Platforms like Pinterest and Instagram, used in the typical fashion, add lots of steps to the buying process and make it difficult. If your potential customers have to click through a generic link in your Instagram bio, then search up the item they want on the site itself, odds are they aren't going to make the effort.

      Luckily, new features on both Pinterest and Instagram enable customers to buy products straight from the app. So, start using product pins on Pinterest, and make sure that your website is optimized for the Pinterest buy button. Instagram's equivalent feature, Shopping on Instagram, lets followers buy straight from the feed.

      If you use these tools right (and don't overuse them), your "warm" customers will find it much easier to give your company a try.



      3. Get people to engage by running a promotion or contest.

      Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos once famously said, "Your brand is what people say about you when you're not in the room." In that light, your goal on social media should be to get your customers to do the talking for you -- in a good way.

      One of the most effective ways to engage current (and prospective) customers is by running a promotion or contest on your channels. Followers may share this with their friends, who'll share with their friends; and before long you'll have a long list of referrals -- of "warm" customers.

      Lance Essinos, online marketer and host of The University of Adversity podcast, said you get bonus points if you expand your promotion to include other businesses. When I reached out to him for comment, he replied in an email: "People are much more likely to act on advice or recommendations from friends they trust.

      "That applies to normal referral situations, but it also applies to cross-promotions with other businesses," Essinos wrote. "In effect, the other business has a big group of friends that like them and follow them, and they're recommending you and your business to that friend group. It's a total win-win for creating good relationships with customer leads"



      4. Become a thought-leader in your customers' sphere.

      One of the biggest characteristics "warm" customers can offer you is that they're often looking for information and answers, but not products.. at least yet. As Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg once said in an interview with Time magazine, "Advertising works most effectively when it's in line with what people are already trying to do."

      "Already trying to do" are the operative words here; they describe "warm" customers trying to find answers to their problems. These are people willing to go to a little effort to find the information they need -- so you need to be there with the answers.

      Start a blog and focus your content on helping to solve their problems. Boost the exposure of your posts by publishing or sharing on your social channels. The more unique and high-quality your content is, the more awareness and loyalty you'll get from your customers. Soon enough, they'll be buying things on your site.

      Guest Authored By Lucas Miller. Lucas is the founder and CEO of Echelon Copy LLC, a media relations agency based in Provo, Utah that helps brands improve visibility, enhance reputation and generate leads through authentic storytelling. Follow Lucas on Twitter.





      "So, dive in to building up an impressive social media presence (and marketing to the right customers through it). Yes, it's a process of trial and error. And it takes time and testing to figure out the right way to reach those already looking for what you have to offer. However, with the right tools and know-how, you'll likely find that connecting to the "warm" customers who'll grow your company will only get easier.. -LucasMiller


      • Post Crafted By:
        Fred Hansen Pied Piper of Social Media Marketing at GetMoreHere.com & CEO of Millennium 7 Publishing Co. in Loveland, CO. where I work deep in the trenches of social media strategy, community management and trends.  My interests include; online business educator, social media marketing, new marketing technology, skiing, hunting, fishing and The Rolling Stones..-Not necessarily in that order ;)
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