Building relationships on social media

Effective relationship building is one of the most crucial ingredients in business success. The importance of relationship building using social media is often undervalued. The marketing and selling of a product or service takes center stage.  However, because it is online doesn’t mean you aren’t interacting. And just as face-to-face networking is relationship building so too is social media; it is a two-way communication, not one-way.

Social media technology allows us the possibility to form connections. With its growth creating new ways to interact in the business world, staying a step ahead of competitors is vital. It is the perfect opportunity to build relationships, have conversations, listen and share valuable content.

Businesses that focus their strategies on developing solid relationships with their communities create strong networks of people in the long run. On social media, building relationships is about listening, taking part in the conversation but not trying to control it.

There is no magic formula or one fits-all approach. Each business is different and needs to work out what will work for them.  However, if your business is genuine about engaging in conversation then relationship building will be much easier.

Remember the following 3 principles when building relationships on social media:

People do business with people they know, like and trust

Individuals will only do business with you once they have come to know and trust you. Social media is another avenue to network so it’s important to use it appropriately. Don’t oversell, provide value, be genuinely interested and provide solutions for customers.

Knowing it all

There is nothing worse than endeavouring to build a relationship with someone who believes they know everything. The same is with business. No business knows everything so come across as the expert who knows there is always more to learn and explore.

Get your audience involved

Great businesses know social media is about conversation. So be sure to involve your audience – ask for feedback, ask questions and get them involved.  Provide meaningful content that is informative and interesting.  This demonstrates that you are focused on the customer and are willing to meet their needs.

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Tags: Building Relationships on Social Media • social Media • social media communications • Social media customer service