The Right Way to Sell Through Social Media

While social media plays an important role in the establishment and sales of your business, it's important to remember that it's not all about you. Followers are looking for ways your product and services can enhance their own lives, hence why hard selling techniques will fall flat and often work against you. Here are three things to keep in mind when looking to promote your business.

1. Focus on your relationship with your customer.

Instead of pushing your agenda, raving about your own products or throwing in a "buy here" link, work on building trust and establishing your brand as an engaged community. The more you give (information, support) the more information you'll receive from your potential clients which will allow you to make suggestions that are relevant to them in ways that feel more meaningful.

2. Create value for your product in interesting ways.

Share tips, beautiful photographs and highlight memorable moments that position your product or service in a positive way. For example, if you're a florist and have a gorgeous photo of a bride smiling on her big day, ask her to post it and congratulate her instead of a straight sell of your design.

3. Promote your product selectively and softly.

Pushy sales tactics come off brash and aggressive (and sometimes desperate) and when you toss in a straight-up advertisement in the middle of what has been positioned as a page of engagement, it can feel manipulative to the consumer. Instead, slip subtle mentions in genuine conversations while positioning them in a manner that aims to serve.

Brenda Della Casa is a digital media expert and the owner of BDC Digital Media, LLC. She is the Founder and editor-in-chief of Badass + Living., the editor-in-chief and digital content strategist for Preston Bailey Designs and the author of Cinderella Was a Liar. @BrendaDellaCasa.