In online business, one of the biggest frustrations or barriers to growth, which perhaps you yourself can relate to, is the question of, “How do I cultivate an engaged and attentive audience?”
What’s often not spoken aloud, but definitely thought and desired, is the ending of that question which might be something like “who hang off my every word and also become loyal and raving fans who live to buy from my company?”
Let’s be honest, if you’re marketing and messaging on social media and it feels like everything you’re doing is falling on deaf ears it can be incredibly disheartening on a personal level as well as incredibly concerning from a business perspective. You might have the best product or service in the world, but you can’t seem to get people to notice and pay attention!
Here are some proven tips and techniques to connect your ideal audience on a heartfelt level which also calls them to action by connecting to their needs and wants so that they are eagerly looking out for your next post as soon as they’ve consumed the previous.
1. Provide value rather than calls-to-action
Spammy advertising and calls-to-actions won’t work. Connect with your audience in a way that builds trust and adds genuine value by shifting your focus from “how can I sell more” to “how can I add value to people’s lives”. This will instantly create connections and strengthen conversation with your community.
2. Keep it real and raw
You will not suit and cannot serve everyone. And, that’s OK. What is important is that you speak the truth with absolutely no filter, no matter what. People don’t relate to perfection- they relate to the “grit and grime” of life. So don’t tip-toe around content; deliver value from the heart with good intent and integrity that is the same in the boardroom as what it is in the bar. Even the most successful business leaders respond to emotion, vulnerability and strength.
3. Grow your tribe by looking inwards, not out.
Referrals through word of mouth is one of the most powerful marketing tools a business can have. Grow your brand one person at a time by shifting the focus from “how do I make my marketing, my selling, my branding, my advertising better”, to “how do I deepen the connection with those who are currently listening to me”.
4. Show up, every day.
Many people believe that if they don’t have something to say then they really can’t say anything. It’s not about having the most polished content- rather, it’s about committing to having conversations with yourself daily. Dig deep and connect with your thoughts, mind and purpose so that you can share insights with your community, daily.
5. Know your audience by asking the following:
- What are the most important questions my clients have?
- Is there a consistent theme with the questions being asked?
- Why do people want to connect with me?
6. Don’t overthink it – just download it.
Share your core message. Speak your truth, your whole truth and nothing but the truth. Imagine that you’re standing on a balcony with a megaphone and you have just a minute to share your message to the whole world.
If you are the person who consistently provides insight and learning, you will become the person people wake up to each morning for a daily dose of fuel.
Katrina Ruth, Founder, The Katrina Ruth Show
