Lately she ’ s been doing a lot of research on how to reach her ideal customer through social channels . Donna discovered that the top three ways to connect with customers is through the “ pillars ” of social media : educate , entertain and inspire .
• Educate : Social media is a tool to inform , but that doesn ’ t mean every post needs to be a product pitch . Donna suggests sharing tips related to your products or services . For example , you could share a video tutorial on how to create a DIY home decor project using items from your store . You can also share blog posts or articles related to your products that your audience would find useful or interesting .
• Entertain : People will spend hours on social media or come back to it because it is entertaining . Donna mentions showing behind-the-scenes videos of your store and staff , such as how you select products or how you decorate your store for the holiday season . You could also share fun , lighthearted content that your audience can relate to , such as funny memes or jokes .
• Inspire : Social media creates an opportunity to encourage your customers in their walk with the Lord . “ We have such a unique position as Christian retailers ,” Donna says . “ It just blows my mind that we are not tapping into our ‘ secret sauce ’ so to speak .” Donna suggests using social media to share inspirational quotes or stories . For example , you could post a quote from a famous Christian author or a customer story of how a particular product from your store impacted their faith journey .
5 SOCIAL MEDIA PRACTICES FOR CREATING A COMPELLING POST
by Edie Melson
We want to utilize social media in ways that bring visibility and encourage interaction . There are some specific things we can do when we ’ re posting that help .
1 . Make sure all your posts are visible to the public and are shareable . This is particularly important if a business has a private Facebook group in addition to your Facebook page , post the same updates to both so that more people can see and share .
2 . Begin your posts with a question or a call to action . This immediately encourages interactions .
3 . Utilize some posts that ask for opinions . The topic doesn ’ t have to be specifically business related . An update asking for favorite Bible verses for depression , prayer or other topics is an instant connection magnet .
4 . If you ’ re searching for questions and topics , do a search on the Internet for sites that have conversation starters for teens . These sites — as well as books — are a great place to look for ideas for solid social media posts .
5 . Bring on the pictures . People love to interact with real pictures — those of your business , your customers and your events . By sharing real pictures , we become real to those we ’ re serving .
All of these things can help us utilize a Philippians 2:3 mindset when we ’ re approaching social media : “ Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit , but in humility consider others better than yourself .” This change of focus can change the way we reach the world .
With these three goals in mind , you can begin to see the value of social media as an extension of your business and ministry . Even still , you may have a few apprehensions . Donna offers her advice on some of the most common concerns with social media .
Edie Melson — author , blogger and speaker — is a woman of faith with ink-stained fingers observing life through her camera lens . She knows the necessity of Soul Care and leads retreats , conferences and workshops around the world on staying connected to God . Her numerous books , including the award-winning Soul Care series reflect her passion to help others develop the strength of their God-given gifts . Learn more at EdieMelson . com
30 CRA today / www . christianretailassociation . org