Social media is one of the leading platforms of activity on the web today. In fact, a recent study found that 78 percent of U.S. Americans had social media profiles in 2016. On a global level, there are 1.96 billion people using social media and experts predict this number to grow to 2.5 billion by 2018.
For direct sales professionals in Mary Kay, Avon, ASEA and other MLM companies, social media is one of the most powerful tools for success. Not only do various platforms help to streamline efforts of connecting with a particular target audience, but the interconnectivity abilities of the internet aid in growing and building a direct sales or multilevel marketing (MLM) business.
These four tips will help you utilize social media to make the most your direct selling career.
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Create a Facebook Page or Group
Create a Facebook page just for your business or a group to follow your direct selling efforts and be vigilant about posting frequently. Talk liberally about your products, parties, success stories, etc. If you’re present on Facebook every single day, you’ll show your followers and friends that you’re passionate about what you do.
By creating a page specifically for direct selling, you can use it as a powerful promotional tool and connect with people who have the same business interests or are looking for the products or services you’re offering. Putting this content on your personal page, however, causes people you are friends with to become irritated by your promotional posts and business talk. Though you should inform your friends on your personal page that you have a page specifically for your direct selling business, you should stick to posting work-related content on your work page.
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Be Creative With Photos
Whether you’re posting photos on your Facebook page, Twitter account, or Instagram profile, you should go out of your way to choose pictures that don’t just sell your product, but that also encourage viewers to inquire more about your direct selling business. Take jewelry sales, for example. If you’re a direct seller for a jewelry company, don’t just post photos of the jewelry itself; instead use pictures of someone who wore your jewelry to a special event, or take a selfie with some of your favorite pieces.
Another example is ASEA, who caters to people looking to live a healthier lifestyle. Instead of just posting pictures of their products on Facebook, they use photos that appeal to their target audience, like professional athletes using ASEA products during competition and before-and-after photos of people who have used certain products. By using photos in a creative way, ASEA is able to attract clients who may have otherwise been uninterested.
By posting photos with context, you’ll open avenues of communication that may not otherwise be available if you use a simple, plain picture. Furthermore, photos are a valuable tool for making a “soft sell” by getting people interested in your product first, before you directly ask them to buy. With interest comes questions and soon you’ll find that your photos are a great way to encourage people to make a purchase without being overly pushy or aggressive.
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Host Online Events
Online events are trending in the world of social media right now. With Facebook’s new “live stream” capabilities, you can encourage your friends or groups to tune into a fun direct selling event. Think of it as the new-era tupperware parties, but instead of hosting the party in someone’s living room, you’re connecting with people virtually and giving them the opportunity to hear your story and sales pitch from the comfort of their own home. Not only is hosting online events easier for you, but it’s also easier for friends and group to attend. Just remember that you should only be hosting live events on your business page – not from your personal profile.
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Handle Groups, Friend Requests, and DMs With Care
Dealing with groups, friend requests, and direct messaging can be damaging if you don’t handle them properly. First, if you’re wanting to start a private group, tell your friends about it and give them a little incentive for why they should join (i.e. discounts, sales, etc.). That way, if they want to join your group, they can send you a direct message and you can add them that way.
Second, there is a golden rule in direct selling on social media that you don’t friend someone only to sell to them. Instead, approach friending on Facebook as a way of getting to know your target audience better and connecting with them on a more personal level. Similarly, don’t send direct messages to current friends on your Facebook page – let them come to you.
By following these four simple tips, you can find social media success with direct selling online.