You may think that social media is just for funny cat videos and seeing what the people that you haven’t talked to since high school are up to, but social media is so much more than that. I believe that they call it ‘social networking’ for a reason. Most people believe that social networking starts and ends with LinkedIn, but you need to make sure you are using all the social media platforms to make new connections and to collaborate with others.
Why Collaborate?
One major reason to collaborate is to introduce your business to a whole new set of people. Depending on how big the business or person is that you are partnering with, you can have thousands of new people see your business and products for the first time. Another reason is that there is a chance to co-create completely new products. A great example of this is with one of our clients who recently collaborated with a local soap company. Using the fat from the butcher shop, they were able to make a unique soap exclusive for our client.
Ideas for Collaboration on Social Media
Now that you have a business that you want to work with, next up is collaborating on social media. You decide to have an event at each other’s store, promoting your products. The first and simplest thing you can do is to start cross-pollinating each other’s brand on every social platform you have and on your website so that you reach all of your followers. Also, make sure to like and share on each other’s posts. This allows your brand to be introduced to a whole new set of followers.
Live video is popular right now so have a live video with each other to cross-pollinate your social presence. Highlight your collaborator’s business in your video and vice versa. You can do this on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, but it is best to include it in the profile so that your business gets the most traffic.
The art of the DM
If you are a frat boy trying to hit on a cute girl, then you most likely have heard the phrase ‘Hit up the DM’, but if you are an owner of a small business, then I’m hoping that this the first time you are hearing this ridiculous term. Using a DM (direct message) is going to be used to help your business grow and to work with others. It can be the start of the relationship with a new business or influencer and can be the equivalent of sending someone an email. The point of this is to connect with someone. Maybe you like the work they do and could see your businesses growing together or maybe you are looking for online influencers that could help your brand grow. Whatever the reason, a DM is important to start using to start building new relationships and making new connections.
Influencers
Word of mouth is one of the oldest forms of marketing and in the new world of digital media, influencer marketing has become one of the most valuable forms of marketing for your business. Potential customers are more likely to be receptive to recommendations from a person they respect and trust rather than from an online ad. A social media influencer is someone who wields influence through social media. In the past, the only influencer endorsements that you could use for your business were from celebrities. Now in the digital age, regular people have become celebrities in their own right with a strong social media following that they have influence over, especially in certain market segments.
There still is no exact science to finding these influencers, although there are many white papers and blogs to explain the best way how. I’d recommend reading this article and doing some research in your market segment. Look for popular hashtags in your market and start researching for the best influencers in your community. Find an Instagrammer or blogger who has an engaging community and could really help your business grow. With these influencers, you can create value for you brand. How can your company help them grow? It won’t only be about what money you can provide for them. With smaller businesses and small influencers, it will be less about money and more about creating value. In the end, it is just hard work and reaching out to the as many people that you believe will help your business grow.
Networking is very important to help your business grow but can feel like a whole new ballpark when it comes to social networking. Roundpeg is a marketing strategy company and can help you plan your social media collaboration.
