10 Ways to Use Social Media to Virtually Crush the Competition

In a world where a cookie-cutter approach to social media is the norm, differentiation is a must.However, separating your business from the competition can be difficult.Understanding, identifying, and positioning the brand you are, then sharing it consistently across social media, is vital.So, how can you use social media for business? Grab these tips to get noticed, grow your brand, and virtually crush the competition.

How to Use Social Media to Virtually Crush the Competition

1. Stand Out Online

How do you translate an established offline brand into an online one that attracts, engages, and inspires potential customers?

• Have a step-by-step system to build your business or personal brand online
• Understand what it takes to outshine your competition using strategic social media and marketing tactics
• Know how to position your business or personal brand for online dominance
• Identify top social media tools to manage, monitor, and grow your online presence

2. Define Your Shine

Whether you like it or not, assumptions are being made about your personal brand. Your product, service, customer experience and online presence are all factors in driving consumer perception.But it is so much more than just that. Your personal brand also includes the reputation and relationships you have built over time.

3. Know Your Market

As social media marketing for business continues to evolve, having an established social media presence is crucial.However, before you dive in, take a step back and analyze what your motivation for using social media truly is and how that impacts your target market.

4. Build Out a Captivating Profile

Social media profiles are an enormous opportunity to present your story and message in a real and relatable way.They also speak directly to the search engines, so do your homework and know how potential clients are searching for you when online.Peg Fitzpatrick, social media strategist, does an excellent job utilizing every bit of the “about” space on her social media profiles, especially Instagram. Want to rock your social media profiles and bio? I asked Peg for a few tips to get you started.

• Make sure you convey what you do or sell
• Let people know why they should follow your account
• Use great visuals for your header images to show people what you do
• Use keywords so you'll show up in search
• Try to make it engaging and memorable
• Include your location

5. Define Your Look and Feel

Your look and feel is the visual definition of your online brand. From your website to your social networks, your online presence should express a consistent theme.This includes your logo, website, blog, and any images shared on social media. In fact, images are an enormous opportunity to connect fans to your brand.Whether it is a picture promoting your latest blog post or a custom image around your most recent product, stay true to the look and feel that best represents your company.

6. Create a Unique Experience

Take a moment and think about the last experience you had with a business or brand. What stands out in your mind and how did it make you feel?Creating a memorable experience allows customers to emotionally connect with your business. It's a personal connection that taps into the five senses.Why is this important? Because…

"People buy emotionally and then justify with logic." - Buck Rodgers, Vice President of IBM

7. Share Your Story

In our often chaotic and hectic online world, slowing down and taking the time to take people on your journey is critical. A great way to give potential customers a more intimate look into your business is to use video.Share who you are, what you are about, and who you can help. Offer tips, advice, updates and relevant content in a short, easy to consume format.Not only does Google love video, making it great for SEO purposes, but embedding YouTube videos into your website increases views and personalizes the user experience.

8. Embrace Social Media

As social marketing for business continues to evolve, having an established social media presence that connects with potential customers is crucial to building your business or personal brand.However, before you dive in, take a step back and analyze what your motivation for using social media truly is.

9. Create a Credible Website

A website can help establish credibility and should be the hub or center of your online presence. With it, you can showcase your individual talents and provide insight into who you are, what you are passionate about, and what niche or group you and your business serve.Allow your website to complement all that you are doing both offline and online. Add it to your marketing, newsletter, email and any other location where you are eager for consumers to find and connect with you.

10. Merge Offline with Online

While business seems more Internet-based than ever, you never want to neglect your offline efforts. Merging your offline and online is a perfect way to take an established reputation and introduce it to your new online audience.Take your brochures, email marketing, fliers and direct mail campaigns, and repurpose the content across your social media channels.

Bonus 1: Invest Online

Whether it is time spent creating content or investing in a new marketing tool, investing in your personal brand provides growth opportunities.Spending money on the development of your brand can also build credibility, boost visibility and create higher perceived value.For example, spending money on your look and feel - a logo, custom website and branded social media channels - tells your story and sends a consistent message to potential clients.

Bonus 2: Set Measurable Goals

Setting periodic goals for your personal brand is a good way to analyze your achievements and adjust your strategy as necessary. Set daily, weekly and monthly goals that support your dream.What is it that you want to achieve? Once you decide what you are working towards, put it in writing!