Tag: tips for social media

Influencer Marketing: Leveraging Industry Experts for Brand Promotion

Posted on | by Lizzy Seitz
Marketing, Social Media | , , , , , , ,

Since the early 2010s, the increase in influencer marketing has become second nature to most active social media users. #Ad and #Sponsored are hashtags that come across feed posts and videos combined, especially withĀ over 64 million influencersĀ on Instagram alone in 2023. With additional influencers across Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and additional sites such as Amazon, all people working part-time or full-time in 2023 areĀ estimated to be a part of a $21.1 billion Influencer Marketing industry.

Influencer Marketing

Influencer Marketing has become a highly profitable way to market to new and different audiences your brand already reaches. The Return on Investment (ROI) of Influencer Marketing is higher because of one key element- trust. The audience that follows an influencer typically already trusts the influencer or creator. Utilizing smaller influencers,Ā such as nano-influencers (1K-10K followers) and micro-influencers (10K-100K), is an additional benefit as their audiences tend to be more specified.Ā 

With smaller influencers, their audiences are more specific and can end up slightly out of targeting that may already be used for paid social media-based marketing. By partnering with a face they already know and trust, your brand can move into a new target market and expand your client base. Additionally, influencers can be anyone who influences the buying choices of people. This means that they can be industry experts who have gained the trust of other individual bloggers and content creators who have gained respect within their industry of choice through hours of content created.

Influencer marketing has joined the forefront of the marketing field when it comes specifically to promoting businesses that focus on products in the fashion industry, home decor, and personal expression. The utilization of influencers is a strength because not only are items such as clothing, books, and decor shown on screen, but when the products are used in content, that shows how a product can be used. Their viewers can be turned into a client for the business as they now have a better idea of how the product can bring added value into their own lives.

Compensation for Influencers

Gone are the days when brands could ask influencers to talk about the brand without compensation. Working with brands, while considered an honor to newer influencers, bigger-sized influencers know that their time and platforms are worth much more than just listing working with a company on their resume.Ā 

Payment can be determined by the influencer’s brand kit, based on content creation, number of posts, and other factors within the marketing deal with the influencer, but budgeting within your brand’s budget on what forms of compensation will be utilized. Overall, payment breaks intoĀ 1 of 4 categoriesĀ for Influencer Marketing.

While some brands will choose multiple categories, the split of what brands will offer the talent who works with them can split from being offered free products to monetary compensation and can even include influencer trips, such as when companies like Shein, a discounted fast-fashion website, flew influencers out to see their factories and working conditions with all expenses were covered by the company. But not all marketing needs to be to this level of extravagance to get your marketing across from a trusted internet persona.

Implementing influencer marketing into your business’s marketing plan can feel overwhelming. There can be so many questions running through your head, such as:

  • What level of influencer makes the most sense to pair up with?
  • How many influencers should I be partnering with?
  • How much of my marketing budget should go to programmatic ads, paid social, and influencer marketing?
  • Do I need all the different forms of marketing? Or will a couple work better over all of them?
  • What is the best way to compensate any influencers I partner with?

If all of these questions and more are running around in your mind, it’s time to partner with The AD Leaf Marketing Firm. Our specialists cover all the different forms of marketing and can help explain which options fit your business the best. FromĀ marketing successfully for small businessesĀ toĀ mastering your PPC ads, there is a knowledgeable specialist who can assist with all your business needs at The AD Leaf. If you’re ready to put roots in that will grow your business to the next level, The AD Leaf Marketing Firm is ready to nurture your business with you.Ā 

Social Media Interaction & Response Guide Best Practices

Posted on | by Skylar McCarty
Marketing, Social Media | , , , , , , ,

As your social media following grows, your various platforms will generate leads. The engaging and valuable content you share online will pique their interest, prompting them to learn more about your products and services. Social media communication differs from oral communication because you can’t gauge clients’ emotions through their voices. It also differs from email communication, as it’s typically more formal and less direct. A staggeringĀ 82%Ā of adults in the United States admit to consulting online customer reviews before making their initial purchase, with 40% stating that they always or almost always rely on reviews when buying products online. This highlights the significant role that reviews play in shaping consumer decisions. Here are some key tips to remember when engaging with customers publicly or privately on social media:

Utilizing the Proper Tone on Social Media:Ā 

In the digital era, the age-old adage “the customer is always right” holds truer than ever. A single unsatisfactory Direct Message (DM) can go viral and damage a company’s reputation irreparably. Once something is posted online, it becomes nearly impossible to remove it completely. Even if you delete a post, there’s no telling how many people have screenshotted, copied, and shared it, ready to use it against you in the future. To mitigate these risks, keeping social media interactions concise and swiftly transitioning conversations away from the public eye is crucial.

Do’s and Don’ts of Social Media Interaction:

Do’s:

It’s crucial to consistently follow up with your customers to ensure you have effectively addressed their questions or concerns. This demonstrates your commitment to retaining them as valued customers and your genuine concern for their needs. Moreover, it conveys your genuine interest in engaging with them and fostering meaningful social media interactions.

Prepare a template for various scenarios to enhance response time while investigating issues. Having a pre-determined response for predictable problems like late arrivals, damaged items, or incorrect shipments allows you to acknowledge the customer promptly and gain additional time to find a resolution. This approach ensures efficient communication while ensuring that the problem is addressed effectively.

Empathy is crucial. We’ve all experienced poor service at some point, so it’s important to understand how a customer might feel. When customers come to complain, they often share the backstory of why the product they ordered is important and how its delay or defects have affected them. If you encounter a customer like this, try putting yourself in their shoes and consider what you would want to hear to feel better about the situation.

Don’ts:

It is crucial to always respect a customer, particularly if they have repeatedly attempted to contact you. Ignoring them may only motivate them to share negative reviews about your business, which could discourage potential clients. If multiple customers find themselves in similar situations and unite, it could harm your online reputation.

It is important to avoid becoming emotional or overly prideful when dealing with customers. While it is true that customers can sometimes be misinformed or even wrong, it is crucial to remember that a business relies on satisfied customers to thrive. Just one dissatisfied customer has the potential to tarnish the reputation of the entire business. Therefore, setting aside personal pride or anger and genuinely addressing a customer’s frustrations is essential. This is particularly important when engaging with customers publicly, outside of direct messages.

It is advisable to refrain from directly contradicting or engaging in back-and-forth customer exchanges, particularly on public platforms like social media. Engaging in such interactions often leads to a negative perception of the brand, even if the brand is technically correct. Customers tend to side with each other, especially if they have had similar experiences. Mistakes are bound to happen; they are an inherent part of life. Occasionally, customers may accuse you of actions beyond your control. This is why it is crucial to maintain detailed records and documentation to present to customers in case they need clarification. With this evidence, if a customer attempts to damage your reputation, you can publicly share the facts to demonstrate the honesty and integrity of your business. While an angry customer may persist in arguing, they will ultimately lose a battle against reason and logic.

Why the AD Leaf?

We specialize in developing comprehensiveĀ social media strategiesĀ that boost your online visibility and drive traffic to your website. Our dedicated team collaborates with you to identify your target audience and create engaging content tailored to their interests. We also assist in monitoring and responding to customer feedback, ensuring meaningful engagement with your audience.

Our Social Media Marketing Services are flexible and scalable, catering to businesses of all sizes and budgets. Whether you’re just starting or aiming to elevate your social media presence, we’re here to help you succeed. Don’t hesitate!Ā Get in touch with The AD Leaf Ā®Ā today to discover more about our social media marketing services and how we can propel your online business growth. Call us at 321-255-0900 orĀ visit our website to schedule an appointment.

Top 10 trends in Marketing in 2022

Unveiling the Top 10 Marketing Trends Shaping 2023

Posted on | by The AD Leaf Marketing Firm
Advertising, Marketing | , , , , ,

In the ever-changing landscape of marketing, Unveiling the Top 10 Marketing Trends Shaping 2023 is vital for businesses to remain competitive and innovative. As we journey through 2023, a convergence of technology, shifting consumer behaviors, and societal changes is shaping the way marketers connect with their audiences. Let’s explore these top trends making waves this year:

  • AI-Driven Personalization Takes Center Stage

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is redefining the concept of personalization. Advanced algorithms analyze user data to deliver highly tailored content, product recommendations, and user experiences. Marketers are harnessing the power of AI to anticipate customer needs and create individualized interactions that resonate on a deeper level.

  • Voice Search Optimization Becomes a Priority

Voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant have propelled voice search into the mainstream. Marketers are optimizing their content for voice queries by using natural language and long-tail keywords. Voice search optimization is not just about search engine rankingsā€”it’s about providing concise, conversational answers that cater to the rise of voice-enabled devices.

  • Inclusive Marketing Drives Authentic Connections

In 2023, inclusivity isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a driving force behind effective marketing. Brands that authentically portray diversity in their campaigns are resonating with a wider audience. By showcasing a range of identities, abilities, and backgrounds, inclusive marketing builds connections based on shared values and relatable experiences.

  • Livestream E-commerce Creates Interactive Shopping Experiences

Livestream e-commerce is revolutionizing the way consumers shop online. Brands are hosting interactive live streams that allow viewers to engage with products in real-time and make purchases directly within the live stream. This trend blends entertainment with shopping, creating a dynamic shopping experience that transcends traditional e-commerce.

  • Sustainability Becomes a Cornerstone of Brand Messaging

As environmental concerns grow, consumers are gravitating toward brands that prioritize sustainability. Sustainable marketing highlights eco-friendly practices, responsible sourcing, and social impact initiatives. Companies that genuinely embrace sustainability resonate with conscious consumers and build long-lasting brand loyalty.

  • Augmented Reality (AR) Enhances Customer Engagement

Augmented Reality transforms customer experiences by enabling virtual try-ons, interactive product demonstrations, and immersive storytelling. AR bridges the gap between the digital and physical worlds, providing consumers with engaging ways to interact with products before making a purchase.

  • Content Experience Platforms Elevate Engagement

The way content is presented matters as much as the content itself. Content Experience Platforms (CEPs) are rising to prominence, allowing marketers to create and curate content across multiple channels while gaining insights into user engagement. The focus is on crafting compelling narratives that captivate and educate the audience.

  • Social Commerce Redefines Online Shopping

Social media platforms are evolving into more than just social spacesā€”they are becoming shopping destinations. Social commerce integrates purchasing options directly within social media platforms, enabling users to shop seamlessly while staying connected with friends and brands they love.

Video content remains a dominant force in digital marketing. From short-form videos on platforms like TikTok to long-form content on YouTube and educational videos on LinkedIn, businesses are utilizing video to tell their stories, showcase products, and connect emotionally with their audiences.

  • Emphasis on Privacy and Data Security

As data privacy concerns grow, marketers are adopting transparent data practices to build trust with consumers. Stricter regulations and user preferences are pushing brands to prioritize data security and provide clear opt-in options for personalized experiences.

Conclusion

Navigating the marketing landscape in 2023, as highlighted in Unveiling the Top 10 Marketing Trends Shaping 2023, requires a keen understanding of the trends that are shaping consumer behavior and preferences. From AI-powered personalization to sustainable branding and immersive experiences through AR, our successful marketers are those who embrace change and leverage these trends to create meaningful connections with our client’s audiences. By staying attuned to these top 10 marketing trends, The AD Leaf can craft strategies that resonate and adapt in the dynamic world of modern marketing.

5 Reasons Why Social Media Management is Worth the Investment

Posted on | by Yeammy Torres
Social Media | , , ,

Picture this; you have the permits, license, and name registration ready for your new business. Your product or services are ready to be purchased by your target audience, your website is launched, and your social media platforms are createdā€¦ You have it all ready to go, right?. Not quite.

It’s time to invest in social media management! Your presence online is not only to have a website, an Etsy shop, and a couple of social media platforms. You must dedicate time, energy, and money to create a consistent strategic message that reflects your business in all aspects.Ā 

Still not convinced about the investment? Let’s break it down into fiveĀ reasons why you should invest in social media management:

 

  1. Social media is perfect for redirecting traffic to your website.

If your goal is to have more traffic to your website, then social media is essential. Let’s put it simply, SEO is like the highway. Social media is like road signs to guide people to your website; you can track this using metrics and statistics and even incorporate google analytics into your reports! Because you ARE taking a look at the monthly reports, right?…

 

Ā  Ā  Ā 2. Social Media Reports:

Do you know how to read the metrics for your different social media platforms? Do you know what awareness, impressions, reach, ROI, and KPI mean for your business? Do you know how to translate that into a strategy to elevate your business?

If you answered “No” to any of these questions, you need help in social media management!

Social media metrics can provide detailed information about your followers and your target audience. With this data, you can create an effective social media strategy that takes into account their social media habits and how they interact with you. Additionally, social media metrics can give you insights into overall brand sentiment. By understanding what people are saying about you online, you can take steps to improve your reputation. In short, social media metrics are essential for any business that wants to succeed online.

 

Ā  Ā  Ā 3. Chances are that your audience is present on one or more social media platforms!

Social media is great for engaging with your audience but is also an amazing tool to help your clients and provide customer service. They also expect solutions and useful information on your platforms, so it’s important to include tips, FAQs, and “how to” related to your industry, products, or services.

You also have to make this type of content eye-catching and trendy to stay current and give your audience a reason to interact with you!

 

Ā  Ā  4. Social media influences buying behavior.

The power of social media is undeniable. According to a recent poll by Harris Interactive, 68% percent likelihood that Millennials will purchase something after seeing an advertisement or shared content from a friend, family member, or their favorite influencer on their go-to platform!

 

Ā  Ā  5. People are likely already talking about your brand on social media.

You can participate in conversations about your company, brand, or product by setting up Mention alerts. You’ll be able to monitor all of the latest discussions related to these topics on social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter, where there’s a high chance that potential customers may have already discussed their thoughts regarding them!

 

A strong social media presence is essential for any business that wants to stay relevant and competitive in today’s market. But with the ever-changing digital marketing landscape, it can be difficult to keep up with the latest trends and best practices. That’s where our team at The AD Leaf comes in. We are social media specialists who are passionate about helping businesses grow. We will work with you to develop a personalized social media strategy that will help you achieve your goals. And because we stay up-to-date on all the latest changes in the social media world, you can rest assured that your campaigns are in good hands. So don’t stress out about your social media marketing – contact us today and let us take care of it for you!

The Importance of Active Social Media

Posted on | by The AD Leaf Marketing Firm
Social Media | , , , , ,

The use of social media has become a necessity for running a successful business. Whether you are marketing, selling products or services, networking with potential clients, or need to stay in touch with friends and family- it is all there for the taking. However, if your account isn’t active enough, people won’t see what you have to offer, which will lead them not to do further research into your company.Ā 

 

Let’s say a potential customer sees your restaurant on Yelp, and they explore your page. Then, they want to see recent posts, so they click your social media platforms. Your last post is from 2019. Now they are confused if your business is currently open. Why have you not posted any of the delicious plates? Now they scroll onto the next restaurant to hopefully see pictures of their possible food.Ā 

 

In this example scenario, a simple fix would be to begin running your social media regularly. With that being said, here are four benefits and the importance of an active social media presence so that your business can grow!

 

Active Social Media

Having an active social media presence will help you build brand awareness, credibility, brand recall and increase your traffic. Through these benefits, you will be able to boost your brand’s exposure organically. It does not matter how big or small your business is; you are bound to see results through your efforts.

 

Brand AwarenessĀ 

Building brand awareness through your social media accounts allows you to reach new customers that might have never heard about your company. Through a consistent social media presence, you are continuously growing your audience reach daily. Keeping your social media presence active will let your potential followers see a consistent and energetic brand. Through keeping your social media platforms active, it will organically improve your reach to more users. These steps will encourage customers to shop from your company more than a company with no social media presence.Ā 

 

Brand CredibilityĀ 

Brand credibility is the trust you build with your customers combined with how long your company has been around. Benefits of positive brand credibility include having customers that will continue to choose your brand and advocate your business to others. A few easy ways to build your brand credibility are by sharing customer reviews on your social platforms or website. For new companies that have yet to get many reviews, you can grow brand credibility by simply running active social media or keeping a running blog on your website that posts regularly. Consumers love to see consistent posting, as this gives them something to explore in their spare time.Ā 

 

Brand Recall

Brand recall is what instantly comes to mind when a customer thinks of a product category. Of course, everyone wants to be the first company a customer thinks of, and an active social media presence will improve your chance. As customers scroll on social media, the more often they see your brand’s posting will help them remember your branding and choose your company over another. This is why you want to be sure you are posting content that is always brand-related, and adding your logo onto your postings is another easy way to ensure your customers remember your brand.Ā 

 

Traffic Growth

Through your active social media, you will see positive traffic growth and leads. Targeting your specific target audience through your social media will bring valuable leads. So it is crucial to decide who your target audience is as this will allow you to attract the right audience. You will also be able to interact with local accounts to your business if this is what you please. Naturally, through more exposure to your brand, you will see more interaction.Ā 

 

Now that you know the importance of having active social media channels, having them up to date is crucial. But there is another layer to consider while running your social media! When potential customers view your active social media platforms, they will see your brand as presented to them.Ā 

  • Do your logos match across all of your social media platforms?Ā 
  • Do you post content that will attract your target audience?Ā 
  • Are you engaging with your social media accounts enough to bring in new followers?Ā 
  • Are you using the correct social media to attract your target audience?Ā 

You might find that you need to put in more effort to help grow your social media presence in the way you hope.Ā 

 

Itā€™s time to take action and know the importance of active social media! As you can see, there are many benefits of having an active social media presence for your business. To have a flourishing business, you must have active and brand-matching social media to attract your target audience. If this interests you and you want help getting started, we have a team of experts here at The AD Leaf ready to assist with creating the perfect plan for organic growth through social media channels. We would be more than happy to help your business grow through the world of social media. This is your sign!Ā 

The History of Social Media

3 Things You Probably Didnā€™t Know About the History of Social Media

Posted on | by The AD Leaf Marketing Firm
Marketing, Social Media | , , , , ,

People seem to have a love/hate relationship with social media. On the one hand, humans are social beings. We crave interactions with others, and relationships play big roles in our everyday lives. Social media allows us to easily connect with friends, family, acquaintances, and even strangers. This can be construed in a positive or negative light depending on who you ask and when you ask them. Whatever your thoughts on social media are, itā€™s pretty clear itā€™s here to stay in one form or another. So, how did social media even start? Was it when the first cave painting emerged? When the first telegraph was sent? Did it start with the invention of the internet? The answer to this question isnā€™t clear cut, but there are plenty of interesting facts about the evolution of social media along the way! Here are 5 things you probably didnā€™t know about the history of social media on the internet.

 

1. CompuServe was an early online service provider that used a method similar to time-sharing.

CompuServe Information Service, a.k.a. CIS, was founded in Columbus, Ohio in 1969 as a subsidiary of Golden United Life Insurance. Initially, CompuServe had two objectives. The first was to provide computer processing support to the company, and the second was to sell excess computer capacity to other corporations through a kind of time-share system. In 1979, it began providing dial-up online information services to the owners of personal computers. CompuServe is known as the original online portal, offering message forums, online chat services, software libraries, and even online games! It grew in popularity in the 80s and 90s and was sold to AOL in 1997 with WorldCom acting as a broker for $1.2 billion in stock.

 

2. One of the first social media services was SixDegrees.com.

This social network site was named after the six degrees of separation concept, which is the idea that people have an average of six degrees of separation from each other. SixDegrees was founded in 1996 by Andrew Weinreich, and the website launched in 1997, making it one of the earliest social media sites on the internet. SixDegrees allowed users to create profiles, list their friends and acquaintances, and interact with other users. At its peak, SixDegrees had about 3.5 million registered users. Just two years after its launch, it was sold to YouthStream Media Networks for $125 million. SixDegrees was short-lived, though, in part because of the limitations of internet connectivity in the late 90s and early 2000s. It shut down in 2001.Ā 

 

3. Users could rate the attractiveness of strangers on AmIHotOrNot.com.

James Hong and Jim Young, both engineers based in Silicon Valley, disagreed one day over whether or not a woman they passed on the street was attractive. Their solution? To create a website, of course! In October 2000, the two friends launched AmIHotOrNot.com. The site allowed users to voluntarily submit photos of themselves to be rated on a scale of 1 to 10 by others based on their attractiveness. It went viral. Within one week of launching, the site had reached nearly 2 million daily page views. The site incorporated dating and matchmaking elements.

Aspects of Hot Or Not impacted later dating apps like Tinder and OkCupid. The site was even said to have influenced Mark Zuckerburg to create FaceMash.com, where Harvard students could rate the looks of fellow students based on their student ID photos. Unlike Hot Or Not, FaceMash did not allow users to submit photos voluntarily. FaceMash received major backlash, both because students felt it violated their privacy and because it was seen as a copycat of Hot Or Not. After being called before the schoolā€™s administrative board, Zuckerburg took the site down. Hot Or Not was sold for a rumored $20 million to Avid Life Media in 2008.Ā 

 

There are plenty of interesting stories when it comes to the history of social media. From computer time-sharing processes to rating the looks of strangers, there is a lot to learn about how social media has evolved. If you own a business, you probably know how important it is to be able to connect with your customers, whether itā€™s through an interactive website or your social media channels. If youā€™re looking for a marketing company with a stellar reputation to assist with any aspect of your digital marketing, look no further than The AD Leaf. We offer web design, search engine optimization, email marketing, social media management, digital advertising, and more! Give us a call today at (321) 255-0900 to learn how we could help you grow your business.

The Positive Power of Social Media

Posted on | by The AD Leaf Marketing Firm
Social Media | , , , ,

Itā€™s no secret that there is a lot of negativity in the world right now. Many individuals have taken to social media to post their feelings, reactions, emotions, and to seek support from others. On Tuesday, June 2nd, 2020, much of the world participated in a social media campaign given the name #BlackOutTuesday. Amongst those hundreds of millions were businesses, from huge corporations to small locally owned businesses.

Itā€™s important as a company to keep your social media campaign positive. This does not mean turning your back on what you believe in but ensuring that your content will not be viewed in any negative light. Staying positive and looking towards a better future is especially important to your audience. Brands that are viewed in a negative light will not succeed in their social media campaign. When Chase Bank insinuated that some of their customers have low balances due to their bad spending habits, the backlash was quick and clear. With more than 43.8 billion people on social media that is a huge hit to your company if you lose your social media following and good presence.

Staying neutral doesnā€™t mean turning a blind eye or lacking compassion amidst current events. Posting positive content occasionally can be a relief from the negativity we see on our feed. The Womenā€™s Center of Brevard does a great job of doing this on social media. Occasionally they will feature activities for the family, uplifting-quotes, appreciation posts for sponsors and staff, and encouraging content. The goal is to get the audience to stop scrolling as a result of your positivity.

It’s hard not to let personal viewpoints and emotions spill over into how you present your company brand, but it’s important to remember that not every customer or client thinks exactly as you do. With a lot of negative situations going on, here are some tips on staying positive on social media.

  1. Ā  Ā  Post Positively

This may seem obvious but think about how your posted content will impact society and your audience. Share appreciation posts, testimonials, and uplifting quotes. What you are posting should be inspiring and encouraging. Your goal should be to unite your audience in a positive way. A member of the audience is a potential customer. If the audience perceives your feed negatively, they are less likely to purchase from you.

  1. Ā  Ā  Keep Judgment and Intimidation Off Social Media

Your opinion can be misperceived and taken as judgment. The old saying ā€œkeep your opinions to yourself,ā€ applies to your social media campaign. What you believe may not be what everyone else believes. Compete with rivals in your industry but do not intimidate them. It is okay to compete with others in your industry but do not be hateful, rude, or derogatory in your competitive nature. Challenge your competitors in a clean way that can never be taken as slander or cruelty. Samsung is a great company that exemplifies poking fun at the competition without being cruel. Their commercial mocking Appleā€™s fanbase that waits in lines for hours for a new product launch is a great example of giving a company their props while comparing their quality and innovation. The opinion of a business owner can be different from that of their customer base. Therefore, keeping opinions on the inside can prevent the loss of an existing customer or future customer.

  1. Ā  Ā  Do Showcase, Do Not Show Off

Yes, businesses should be showcasing their new items or services and achievements. However, it is discouraged to show off. The two things might seem like they are one and the same, but they are not. Showing off is perceived as flashy and looking for kudos for doing something good. Your business might have made the most money it has in years but that is not something you should be posting on social media. While your business might be excelling in all aspects your neighboring businesses might also be struggling. However, if your business wins ā€œSalon of the Yearā€ that is something you should be showcasing. That is a great accomplishment that your community awarded you and is a result of their support and your efforts to go above and beyond. Back in 2013, the airline company, WestJet, released a viral video that encouraged its customers to perform random acts of kindness, which has now coined the term “mini-miracles.” WestJet has kept the tradition of showing their gratitude and appreciation for their customers’ kindness alive for years.

  1. Ā  Ā  Honesty Is Everything

All too often we see companies who are later caught in a lie. Covering up a mistake or mishap will only come back to bite you in the long run. This can lead to loss of business. Acknowledging an incident, apologizing, and taking a corrective course of action will produce the best outcome.Ā  An alcohol delivery company, Grizzly, has a GREAT example of this recently! They accidentally sent out an email with placeholder text and sent out an apology email with coupon code “LOREMIPSUM”. Be positive in your acknowledgment and plan of action by putting the incident into the spotlight as a learning experience. Businesses that take ownership and are transparent will continue to be successful.

  1. Ā  Ā  Be Respectful

Again, this might seem as obvious as being positive, but it can often be overlooked. Respect your community, respect your neighbors, respect your customers, and respect your brand. When posting something put yourself in the place of a spectator in your audience. Could your post be taken the wrong way despite not being meant maliciously? Is the content culturally unaware? Will anyone view the content as insensitive? If the answer is yes to any of these questions, it isnā€™t something your business should be posting. Respecting your community extends to respecting your competitors, sometimes by supporting them. We often see this with small businesses in their local community, but large companies like T-Mobile and Sprint recently displayed their support for each other. As a segue to their merger, the two companies decided to provide their customers with more coverage during the pandemic by sharing their networks before the merger was official.

A positive social media campaign is one that inspires, makes your audience think, or gives them a warm fuzzy feeling. If you are a business and do not feel very strongly about something you should stay neutral in the matter. Do not follow the majority opinion to gain a following or increase engagement. Be genuine in your approach.

If you’ve recently been involved in a situation where your brand wasn’t represented in a positive manner and you’re struggling with getting back on your audience’s good side we are here to help. Feel free to give us a call at 321.255.0900 or you can email us to info@theadleaf.com. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

10 Tips for Communicating on Social Media During a Crisis

Posted on | by The AD Leaf Marketing Firm
Social Media | , , , , , ,

In times like these, the role of social media is taken to an unprecedented level. Recently, we saw a statistic that said 55% of Americans get their news from social media. While first-person accounts and opinions break up the newsfeed and shape narratives, the general user will turn to businesses for fact-based updates and solid information. This means your social media campaign must be strong, accurate, and adaptable as the environment changes.Ā 

When the world is in a tailspin, what role does social media play in your crisis communications plan?Ā 

  • Communication of updates to your audience
  • Support for those who need info
  • Listening to understand what your audience needs from you and your business

Whatever crisis weā€™re facing, COVID-19 related or not, we hope it passes and that we will come out on the other side a better community. In regards to social media, that means your campaign should be focused on building trust and connections with your audience for the long term.Ā 

So how do you do that? Here are 10 tips weā€™ve put together to help you execute your strategy effectively:

 

1. Review (and possibly pause) your upcoming social calendar

Take a look at what you have scheduled for the next couple of weeks. Is it still timely and relevant? Will it feel tone-deaf or insensitive amidst everything going on? A great example is KFC. Before COVID-19 reared its ugly head, they had a ā€œFinger-lickinā€™ Good Campaignā€ planned for the upcoming months. A really, really clever team member perked up and said ā€œSTOP! An ad campaign about touching your mouth in the middle of a pandemic probably isnā€™t a good ideaā€¦ā€. Good on you, team member.Ā 

 

 

Donā€™t fret that all of your hard work has gone to waste, just think of it as being ā€œrepurposedā€ for a later date. Youā€™ll thank yourself for having a great campaign ready to go when things settle down a bit.

 

2. Have a strong social media policy in place

You might not be able to see a crisis coming, but you can be prepared for one. An emergency response policy should be solid, flexible, and information focused. Youā€™ll want to ensure that you have an up-to-date emergency contact list, guidance on accessing social account credentials or other important login information, guidelines for identifying the scope of the crisis, an internal communication plan, and an approval process for a response strategy.

 

3. Know whoā€™s on your ā€œtigerā€ team

Some people work really, really well under pressure. You want your emergency response team to be comprised of these team members. They need to be quick responders, fast thinkers, and amazing adapters. While you should have a team of these people ready to go, itā€™s important to have a wider team in place thatā€™s still responsible for the day-to-day monitoring and overarching campaign development. Both have their own time and place and youā€™ll need both to execute your strategy to the best of your ability.

4. Ensure employees are aware of your organizationā€™s positionĀ 

Is the system through which you disseminate company information strong? Do you have a process for distributing information about relief efforts, donations, or other programs? Now is the time to make sure itā€™s bulletproof to ensure the right information is getting to the right people and your staff feel supported during a stressful time.Ā 

 

5. Communicate with honesty, openness, and compassion

This is pretty self-explanatory. Our favorite example of a brand taking a minute to pause and re-orient comes from Chiquita banana. They did a great job of incorporating the #StayAtHome campaign while still maintaining their brand voice and identity.

 

6. Cite credible sources

Again, pretty self-explanatory. As a manager of a social media campaign, youā€™re responsible for providing information that is accurate and honest. Your audience trusts you to be providing valid information. In a crisis, bad information is not only irresponsible but it has the potential to damage your reputation. It may be tempting to share shocking statistics or a new update but do your due diligence in fact-checking and ensuring what youā€™re sharing is supported by data from reputable sources like government agencies or organizations.

 

7. Listen to your audience to stay informed

Monitor your content closely and be prepared to make adjustments based on how your audience responds. If you begin sharing about how your company is supporting relief efforts and your audience feels what youā€™re sharing is ill-timed, then it might be wise to pull that content and redirect towards something else.

 

8. Avoid jumping on the “trend train”

Donā€™t attempt to spin a crisis. Plain and simple, it wonā€™t work and it will receive negative backlash. Now, thatā€™s not to say that you canā€™t adapt to a new environment and rethink your business model to fit the situation. Recently, the factory that produced the uniforms for the Philadelphia Phillies was getting creative about what they could do with all the unused fabric they had laying around after the season was postponed. They decided to take that material and repurpose it for cloth face masks. Thereā€™s a national shortage and they felt it was their social responsibility to reallocate what they had to serve the greater good. This is a great example of how to take advantage of the situation without trying to spin it in your favor or appear profit-driven.

 

9. Make room for questions

People will have questions. Itā€™s unavoidable. As situations become more tense and uneasy, your audience will become hyper-aware of your company and your product or service. Theyā€™ll ask incredibly specific questions that you may have never been asked for. Be prepared and donā€™t be offended. Remember that people are trying to navigate a new situation just like you are.

 

10. Donā€™t go off the grid

This is incredibly important. I know at the beginning we mentioned ā€œpausingā€ your campaign. But this is a temporary measure in order to regroup and come back stronger. You may feel continuing a social media campaign is insensitive in light of the current climate, but thatā€™s simply not true. Your audience is looking for dependency and certainty wherever they can get it. They want to see you stand your ground and stay strong.Ā 

 

We know that crafting a social media campaign in the middle of a crisis is probably the last thing youā€™re thinking about or even want to be doing. You have a business to run, employees to take care of, and customers to support. Thatā€™s where we come in. Let us help you through this season and ensure you come out on the other side strong.