May 2020
Why You Should Love Social Media
19/05/20 21:11
Hi
In previous posts i've talked about many social media tips. To help you get the most out of social media for your horse or dog care business. But are you convinced that social media is necessary at all?
First of all. It's important to understand why a business account is different to your personal one. In fact you may think you've not got time to have two accounts.
But on many networks. Such as Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, a business account gives you more options. These include:
Questions that do arise are…..
Is will my customers look at social media?
Is it worth bothering with?
The short answer to these is yes!
According to Social Media Today, Twitter has 145 million active daily users worldwide. And Facebook has 2.41 billion active monthly users. With these numbers there are bound to be some who will be potential customers.
And remember, even if someone doesn't want to be your customer. They may know someone who will, and recommend you to their friend or relative. Don't underestimate the power of recommendation!
Of course there are other networks you may prefer using. Such as Instagram and LinkedIn. These are also popular with a large range of people.
So which to use? Well the decision on what network to use isn't so as important as deciding what strategy you're going to have. What do I mean? Well how are you going to post? What are you going to post? how are you planning to convert people viewing your posts into customers?
Most horse and dog owners are busy people. Prioritising the care of beloved animals is time consuming. At the best of times, let alone if there are any special care needs! So post regularly! This will give your equine and canine guardians a chance to see your posts.
Having a clear plan of what you're going to do. And try posting different types of information, photos and videos. Post at different times of day. Different days of the week.
Be consistent and be regular.
With social media use for any business. Engaging with your audience is vital.
Action Points..
In previous posts i've talked about many social media tips. To help you get the most out of social media for your horse or dog care business. But are you convinced that social media is necessary at all?
Why should you love social media for your horse or dog care business?
First of all. It's important to understand why a business account is different to your personal one. In fact you may think you've not got time to have two accounts.
But on many networks. Such as Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, a business account gives you more options. These include:
- Get more analytical information. E.g. Understand who is viewing your posts.
- You can advertise and promote your posts.
- It helps keep personal and business posts separate. You can still be 'human' and not too formal even on a business account!
Questions that do arise are…..
Is will my customers look at social media?
Is it worth bothering with?
The short answer to these is yes!
According to Social Media Today, Twitter has 145 million active daily users worldwide. And Facebook has 2.41 billion active monthly users. With these numbers there are bound to be some who will be potential customers.
And remember, even if someone doesn't want to be your customer. They may know someone who will, and recommend you to their friend or relative. Don't underestimate the power of recommendation!
Of course there are other networks you may prefer using. Such as Instagram and LinkedIn. These are also popular with a large range of people.
So which to use? Well the decision on what network to use isn't so as important as deciding what strategy you're going to have. What do I mean? Well how are you going to post? What are you going to post? how are you planning to convert people viewing your posts into customers?
Most horse and dog owners are busy people. Prioritising the care of beloved animals is time consuming. At the best of times, let alone if there are any special care needs! So post regularly! This will give your equine and canine guardians a chance to see your posts.
Having a clear plan of what you're going to do. And try posting different types of information, photos and videos. Post at different times of day. Different days of the week.
Be consistent and be regular.
With social media use for any business. Engaging with your audience is vital.
Action Points..
- Have a look through my previous blog posts for some tips on using social media.
- Gain more confidence in using Twitter with my free 1 page Twitter Basics Guide, which you can find online at http://taranet.co.uk/resources/Twitter-1-Page-Guide.pdf <
- For a free social media scheduling guide, please email me at info at taranet .co.uk
- Do you want coaching support to help your business flourish? Please email me to discuss!
How You Can Make Video Part of Your Social Media Strategy
08/05/20 15:54
Have you tried using video for your social media?
Or is it something you’re not sure about? Are you worried about not having:
- The technical skills - will it work out ok?
- Anything interesting to do a video about?
Or do not feel confident about being on the video yourself, or presenting information?
Whether you prefer using Twitter, Facebook or Instagram. Video is an important part of your content strategy. So what makes a good video?
Your aim should be to have a video that encourages people to stay looking at it. And not scrolling past. So how can you “hook” your audience?
Start the video with:
- An interesting setup
- A close-up shot
- Or quick movement or action.
Try including your logo at the beginning. So people associate your video with your service.
How can you plan your video?
- Decide how you want to start it. What will be a good introduction? (taking into account the points above).
- Decide what story you want to show. Despite the length of your video, it needs a beginning, middle and end. It needs to make sense (to some extent!). And not be completely random (unless you’re making a clever point!).
- Decide if it’s going to make sense to people without the sound on. Remember people viewing your video may not be able to have sound on where they are. Don’t assume everyone has earphones either.
- You can do the filming, or get someone to hold the smartphone/camcorder. This depends on the topic.
- A steady hand is vital (or use a tripod). And have the sun behind you, not the subject!
What ideas could you use for your horse or dog care business video? Two great ideas are:
- Provide dog or horse care tips. These could be general tips that you know people will find helpful. (Remember not to assume people will know everything. So do provide basic as well as more advanced information!).
- Give people an insight into your service. This could be you working with horses or dogs. It could be giving them an idea of a first appointment. Or a therapy session.
Action Point..
- If you've not already used video on your social media. Make a start this week!
- Make a short video on your smartphone. You don't need camcorders and special recording equipment.
- And if you're nervous, and use Instagram. Post it onto your Instagram Story. This will disappear after 24 hours. So a good way to ease yourself into it!
- Try doing a video at least once a week. Don't worry if it's short. By making a video regularly your confidence will grow!
How to Get Confidence Running Your Equine or Canine Business
Email me at info @ taranet.co.uk to learn more about my specialist equine and canine business coaching.
Regards, Suzanne
Director at Taranet