How to Grow a Business Without Social Media: Part 1
I BELIEVE SOCIAL MEDIA IS AN IMPORTANT TOOL TO STAY TOP OF MIND WITH YOUR CUSTOMERS AND TO RESPOND TO QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS. FOR LOT OF BUSINESSES, IT DOESN’T HAVE TO BE MOST IMPORTANT TOOL.
I dread social media to sell myself or to even be open and personal with the public. I find it loud, draining, and I feel as though everyone is competing to be heard. As social media has grown into more videos and less images, I struggle even more. Again, I absolutely believe that social media can be an affective tool. For me, I use it as a means for people to find me.
I will tell you how I was able to quit my full-time and open my own business without relying on social media!
In my corporate years, I worked in the marketing/communications department for a multi-billion dollar wealth management firm that did ZERO marketing. No advertising. No social media. Nothing. Our “marketing” department was focused on the customer experience. While working with the firm, I built my marketing business big enough to where I was able to quit my job. I did not do any marketing and was hardly on social media. When I first started at the wealth management firm, the founder told me something that I will never forget, “Serve from your heart and the money will follow.”
TIP 1: ALWAYS BE OF SERVICE TO YOUR CLIENTS
Treat them as family and always go above and beyond. Do everything out of service and expect nothing. This was the philosophy I used to grow Sacred Creative. I don’t like to talk about this aspect of my life, because I am so afraid to jinx it, but I feel it is important to share. My referrals kept coming to where I was working at my corporate job until 4:30 pm and then would come home and work through supper until 10:00 pm. My Etsy clients were doubling because of client service (and a few other things). I promise you, if you follow this advice, your will see results.
TIP 2: NETWORK
Get out in the community to meet people face-to-face. This helps build trust and rapport with clients a lot quicker than sharing your life story on social media. After client service, networking is the second way in which I was able to grow my client base. Find out where your clients spend their time. You can host a class, attend networking groups (I know…cringey), or attend workshops where your ideal clients will be.
TIP 3: ASK FOR REFERRALS
This tip kind of melds into the client service, but you can take it a step further. There is nothing wrong with asking your clients for referrals. In fact, most clients who you have built a solid foundation with would be happy to refer (and probably are without you asking). You could also offer a preferred customer program, loyalty card, or even an affiliate program for those who send clients your way!
TIP 4: OFFER A REWARDS PROGRAM
Offer a rewards program for repeat clients. You could offer a percentage off or even a freebie after so many purchases.
TIP 5: GROW YOUR EMAIL LIST
This is so important. If Facebook, Instagram, or Tiktok suddenly go offline, you always own your email list. You can send clients upcoming sales, new service or product releases, tips, and more. Grow your list by offering a freebie (discount code, link to a free class, downloadable document, etc.).
TIP 6: LEARN THE BASICS OF SEO
It might take awhile to rank on google, but if you do some research on how to improve your SEO, you will get there.
I hope these tips help out and give you some ideas on how to grow your business. If you have any questions or would like assistance with a marketing plan or materials, please feel free to reach out. I would be honored to help and be part of your journey.
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