We’ve just barely hit the heat of Summer here in Melissa, Texas and the same goes for this series on navigating the intricacies of social media for businesses. In this post, we’ll explore the illusion of recognition on social media and how it affects your efforts to gain credibility as an accredited business. While social media platforms offer a tremendous opportunity to showcase your products or services, it is crucial to understand that they are also saturated with countless other businesses vying for attention. Simply posting content is not enough to guarantee recognition or establish credibility. We are going to dive into the reasons behind this illusion and explore effective strategies to generate business and gain recognition with your audience.

In our current digital culture, social media platforms provide a virtual stage for businesses to present their offerings to a wide audience. However, the massive volume of content being shared creates an illusion of recognition. It is easy to fall into the trap of thinking that merely posting content will automatically lead to recognition and credibility as an accredited business. Unfortunately, the reality is far more complex. To overcome this illusion, it is essential to employ targeted strategies and engage in activities that truly resonate with your audience.

It is imperative that you keep it simple, or quite honestly, you may get frustrated and lose momentum.  Most people give you a LONG LIST of things to do and then leave you hanging trying to figure out what it all means, all by yourself.  This has happened to me far too many times and I’m on a mission to help you understand better than you ever have, what these terms and strategies mean. 

Let’s lay the groundwork for you by simplifying the common business social media “to-do’s”.  What “THEY” say (whoever they are and whatever made them think they’re the boss of you) and then I’ll follow with an understandable description.

**I’m adding a disclaimer on this next portion that my suggestions and teaching comes from 25+ years of experience as an entrepreneur and an uncomfortable amount of frustration of figuring it out on my own.**

THEM:  Define Your Unique Value Proposition: Clearly articulate your unique value proposition that sets you apart from your competitors. What makes your products or services exceptional? Focus on highlighting these aspects in your content.

US: Simply put and easily understood > > WHY ARE YOU SO AWESOME?? What makes you, your product and why you’re so passionate about it in the first place different from all the other guys? The answer to that is also simple, if you are having a mind block on this one….YOU!! There’s literally NO ONE out there like you, and no one loves what you do and why you’re doing it for the SAME REASONS you are.  Share that in unique ways.

THEM:  Consistent Branding: Develop a strong and consistent brand identity across all your social media channels. Use consistent visuals, colors, and messaging to create a recognizable brand presence.

US: While this one is most certainly true and easy to understand, I feel that the execution does not come easy for a lot of people.  Just putting your logo on everything and using the same colors repeatedly does not make one’s brand. It is important to have a guide to follow so that you don’t have to always remember what your branding colors are, or your font types are.  Keep a cheat sheet on your desktop or screenshot on your phone of this information so that it is always readily available to you. If you are feeling an inconsistency in your brand or want a more cohesive look to your content, please ask for help.  It’s ok if you aren’t entirely sure.

THEM:  Engage with Your Audience: Don’t just broadcast content; actively engage with your audience. Respond to comments, messages, and mentions promptly. Encourage dialogue, ask questions, and listen to your audience’s feedback. This fosters a sense of community and builds loyalty.

US:  I find that clients get stuck on this often due to a need to sound a certain way when engaging.  THROW THAT MYTH OUT THE WINDOW!! When you post something, be intentional about being available within the first couple of hours to reply to anyone who may comment.  Just be yourself and have a simple conversation.  It IS IMPORTANT to step out of your comfort zone and search for others to respond to instead of always waiting for them to come to you.  Force yourself to not sound robotic or repetitive on your comments so as not to look or sound like a bot from a fake interaction. Be genuine and authentic when connecting.

THEM:  Create Engaging Visual Content: Invest in creating visually appealing content that grabs attention and stands out amidst the noise. Use high-quality images, videos, infographics, and animations to convey your message effectively.

US: This can be tough if you THINK you must have all the high-end equipment to create “all the things”. While it is VERY IMPORTANT to keep the quality of your content from looking lack-luster, there are tricks and tools of the trade that you can learn. With free and simple applications, you can also learn how to keep that professional standard where it needs to be.

THEM: Collaborate with Complementary Businesses: Identify businesses that complement your offerings and collaborate on joint initiatives. This expands your reach to their audience and creates mutually beneficial relationships.

US: To wrap things up with this one I’m going all in with full AGREEMENT!! YES YES AND YES to this!!! If you can find a business that serves the same client as you, I say collaborate and HAVE FUN!  You have nothing to lose in this effort and everything to gain.  More experience working with other people in a similar industry, more connections and of course the goal is more clients.

While I didn’t cover a LONG list of strategies, I feel like I gave you a good dose of some things to work through. Since the illusion of recognition on social media can be disheartening, it is crucial to remember that establishing credibility as a business requires strategic and targeted efforts. By implementing the ideas discussed, you can generate business and gain recognition with your audience. Remember to stay consistent, authentic, and engage meaningfully with your target audience. Through these efforts, you can rise above the noise and create a lasting impression that resonates with your customers.

I hope this has been helpful to you and I look forward to discussing the next topic with you.  Have a fantastic week and make sure to stay hydrated!!!

Your INTERWOVEN DESIGNS TEAM!!