Most businesses turn to social media when they are looking to expose their brand to a global audience, but it can bring great results when used for local exposure as well. Social media doesn’t need to cost any money, so it can be a very effective tool for small businesses looking to advertise and spread the word about their brand in local markets. Local news channels are often a terrific example of this by using social media as a way to connect with their viewers and build up brand loyalty through various methods.
Here are three things you can learn about social media through your local news:
1. They use promotions
Check out the Facebook page or Twitter account of most local news channels and you will no doubt be greeted by some type of campaign or promotion that they are running. Contests, themed giveaways, and special offers are often run in an effort to bring in more traffic and get that traffic engaged. This method works.
You can easily start your own giveaway with a prize that is worth liking, sharing, and commenting on. If done correctly, the contest or offer could go viral, increasing your traffic and metrics exponentially in a very short period.
Your customer base will also appreciate such promotions because they feel like you are ‘giving’ something to them, creating a relationship that will make them more likely to give back to you when they need your business. While you may hesitant to shell out the cash for a big prize, you should think of it only as an investment in advertising. More than likely you will make that money back and then some.
2. They connect at a personal level
News channels are great on social media at making their newscasters seem like any other friend you would follow. They share silly pictures off-camera, funny anecdotes from an interview, and personal announcements such as pregnancy or marriage. Viewers of the local news channel then log on to the social media accounts more often, always looking to learn more about the people they watch on their television set everyday.
Accessibility on social networking platforms is incredibly important to the local news channels. You may not want to share your personal life, and it may not be relevant, but you can still share inspirational quotes, pictures around the office, or anything else that puts your business on a more ‘real’ level.
3. They interact with and promote other local businesses
Networking with other businesses is a great way to increase your drive in traffic. Local news stations often promote other local businesses by sharing sales, openings, or special events. In turn, those businesses will be more apt to pay the favor forward.
Eventually the news channel builds an entire local community around their social media networks, with links going and returning in every direction. This helps page rank and SEO factors, but also helps to build up its online reputation. The same concept will work for your business.
Promoting other businesses can help your own business grow both on and offline. If local businesses are ever approached for advice on work, because you have established a relationship with other businesses, they will be more likely to recommend your services.
Local news channels have figured out the magical way to use social media successfully in their local markets. In reality, there is no magic to it, you can implement the same techniques in your own social media campaigns for your business. Give your customers incentives, be personable, and network with other businesses either in your local area or in your specific niche. Your numbers will grow, your business will thrive, and your online presence will be solidified. What are you waiting for?
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