I’ve heard a lot of people saying lately that social media is ineffective as launch strategy. Nothing could be further from the truth! I’ve seen new entrepreneurs make $20k launching their first class using only social media. I’ve seen seasoned entrepreneurs make $15k in an hour – with no sales page. There are loads of brilliant launch strategists. Here’s how to do that process with Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.
You’ll want to begin by polling your prospective buyers. In this economy the way to know what to sell is by finding out how you can serve people. Ask them what their biggest challenge is with the topic you serve and they’ll tell you. Ask open ended questions. Don’t give them choices that you think they’ll answer – otherwise you’re not really finding out what they want from you. Their answers will often surprise you!
Next, you’ll want to give them some of what they need – for free. Posting your content on your site and connecting it with social media works beautifully. Let people “like” and “tweet” your link so they spread the word! (Another tip: if your audience can get fast results from anything you teach them during this part, they’ll be hungry for more.)
Third, you need to engage. You always want to be conversing in social media. It’s a two way street. Comment on your target market’s posts and prepare to do a web show (or a teleseminar, or event…). People need to know you in order to buy from you. This is the point when you want them to experience you.Most seasoned entrepreneurs have this next part down, but I’m amazed by how difficult this is for many early entrepreneurs. You must provide an opportunity to purchase. If you don’t give them the chance to purchase, they won’t. And don’t just send emails, strategically use social media for this too. (If this part feels baffling to you, check out my recent article on how to sell through social media here.)
The next step is you’ll want to let people see that what you do works. You need to show social proof. You can ask your clients to post testimonials on your wall. You can post a “Congrats!” on your wall to a client who has had great results (make sure to link to their page). Social proof is easy – and key – in a social media world.Now, keep selling. This is where many people fail. Simply because you’ve started selling doesn’t mean you’re done. After purchasing, people will post, comment or respond about how excited they are. Continue to allow people to purchase. You’ve just begun to get the results that social media sales will give you.Finally, if your launch was successful…re-launch! I’ve had people launch the same thing three times and sell like hotcakes. The first group of purchasers will encourage the second group to purchase, etc, on social media. People truly want to spread good news about you and if you only launch once, you cap their enthusiasm.If you think this list is long, and would like the 5 fastest ways to sell through social media, simply sign up at socialmediaheaven.com!
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Great tips Lindsay. Thank you for all you share.
Thanks, Gina! It’s my pleasure.