Social Media Marketing for Franchise Owners: How to Launch Your Campaign

Do you want to take your franchise to the next level with Social Media Marketing?

Are you confused on where to start and which social media platforms to use?

If you’re on the fence about it, please know that marketing your franchise through social media is an excellent choice. Social media platforms are the perfect tools to reach customers and generate sales for your business. According to PewResearch, 72% of people who use the internet are active on social media networks. This statistic proves that you cannot afford to ignore the power of social media when it comes to marketing your franchise. If you are to stay competitive in an ever-changing market, you must be where your customers, leads and prospects are and that place is on social media. If you’re not there yet, today is the day for you to begin using social media marketing to build an online presence and grow your brand awareness!

Social media marketing is unique. It provides businesses with a direct link to those seeking out their goods and services online. It has both changed the marketing  game and shifted the playing field forever. The gatekeeper is no longer an issue and the middle man is no where to be found. But, this is only true if you’re using social media platforms to reach your prospects.

Social media is valuable because it offers real-time communication between companies and customers. This can help to improve the customer service levels of your franchise. This type of marketing also provides an opportunity to engage customer better. It also provides opportunities for you to offer valuable information to prospects.

Will Social Media solve your sales goals?

The short answer is no. I have consulted with several clients to find out that they don’t have a marketing plan in place. These same clients only factor in my efforts as a Digital Strategist as their main marketing plan. Although Social Media Marketing is an  inexpensive and convenient resource, social media should not be considered as an entire and complete marketing program. In actuality, Social Media Marketing should be seen as one puzzle piece in a diverse marketing strategy.

The purpose of social media is to build and grow relationships. Even if this happens at a pace of one fan at a time, you’ve achieved some level of success with it. Although social media marketing is just one piece of your marketing strategy, you no longer have a choice on whether you’re going to participate or not. Customers and prospects are becoming even more social savvy. Before they decide to do business with you, they’re looking up your company on Google, Foursquare, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. If they can’t find you there, they will certainly find your competitors.

 

Below are some tips that will help you use Social Media effectively:

1. Understand Who You are As a Franchise – A franchise is much different than any other organization. It’s important to always remember that your marketing choices, will affect the entire enterprise. Your goals should be congruent with your company’s marketing goals and at the same time, allow you to stand out from your competitors. Identifying your target markets and your brand’s key messages and tone will help with this.

2. Grow Social Media Platforms that Make Sense to Your Business – Your brand should be across multiple platforms, but this does not mean that you have to be on every single platform. It’s best to do some research and find out which key platforms your prospects and leads are using and be sure to use those early on.

3. Be Relevant, Timely and Engaging– Your efforts on social media will become mute if you’re inconsistent in your messages and postings. You must also find out what your audience likes and give them even more of that type of content. Customers want to know who you are behind the company logo and mission statement. They want to do business with a person and not a business. Make sure that your social media marketing is just as human and engaging as face-to-face contact. Being real and authentic with your customers leads to long-term benefits like repeat customers and a sustainable business.

4. Being Strategic is Key – The goal is to avoid being a walking billboard, infomercial or telemarketer. The goal is to give value. Share information that benefits your audience. This is the only way that you will be able to gain their trust and grow your credibility among leads and prospects. You can share information on industry updates or tips that can help to improve the quality of life of your audience.

Social media marketing can take your franchise to a whole new level, but its important to use it correctly in order  to be effective. There are an abundance of benefits that come with using social media to market your franchise. If you put these 4 strategies into place, you will be well on your way to being a Social Media Marketing Rockstar in no time!

Are you using any of these 4 points in your current strategy?