How can you build a social media strategy that focuses on relationship building?

Certainly! To build a social media strategy that focuses on relationship building: 1. Define clear goals. 2. Understand your audience. 3. Choose the right platforms. 4. Plan and create valuable content. 5. Engage consistently and authentically. 6. Encourage user-generated content. 7. Collaborate and network. 8. Monitor and listen to your audience. 9. Measure success with KPIs. 10. Adapt and improve your strategy. 11. Build a sense of community. 12. Provide value through your content. 13. Show appreciation to your followers. 14. Be patient, as building relationships takes time and commitment.

Too often, companies try to push their solutions without clearly focusing on the right audience. The first step you should do is identify your ideal clients, understand their interests and preferences. This knowledge will help you tailor your content strategy. And don't think of defining your ICP as a one-time deal. It is an ongoing effort. Test it, adjust it, and keep it up to date.

To build a relationship-focused social media strategy, first, identify the platforms your audience prefers. Some types of channels help spread the word about your business and increase brand awareness. Others connect you directly with customers and help to build relationships. LinkedIn is a channel where you can communicate with your customers directly and B2B business owners can connect with potential clients and target customers. Show case studies, testimonials, and relevant content to demonstrate your expertise. Craft your portfolio and get reviews on sites like Clutch, GoodFirms These can be decisive in choosing a partner in B2B sales.

Absolutely, providing value to your audience is a great start. Share content that addresses their needs, interests and concerns, positioning yourself as a useful resource. Engage with your audience by responding to comments, answering questions, and facilitating discussions. In addition, showcase the human side of your brand by sharing behind-the-scenes moments and personal stories. Finally, create a sense of community by encouraging user-generated content and highlighting customer successes to create a strong connection between your brand and your audience.

To build a relationship-focused social media strategy, prioritize humanization. This involves giving your business a face and personality, creating a human touch that resonates with your audience. Humanizing your approach means tailoring strategies to the specific needs and preferences of individual customers. When customers feel understood and valued, they are not only more likely to engage with your business, but also help it stand out in a competitive market.

On social media, people pay far more attention to the personable content of other people than they do to the company content published by brands. So being human is absolutely essential, and rather than trying to “humanise the brand”, have the actual humans that work inside your organisation be active in the newsfeed on LinkedIn and beyond. Personable content, published by a person, in story form, and that leads towards the value you offer has been proven time and time again at my organisation to deliver the best results.

The main goal of social selling is to build relationships that ultimately translate into sales. Simply posting or liking will not be enough; interaction is key. Initiate conversations with your audience, maintain them over time, and use tactics such as posting relevant content, asking open-ended questions, complimenting them, expressing appreciation, or providing support. Consistent engagement fosters understanding, loyalty, and trust, forming the basis for meaningful and lasting relationships. And these, in turn, contribute to the successful development of relationships on social media.