Using Social Networking to Boost Your Direct Sales Business

A recent survey revealed that Nigeria has about 57.7 million internet users,(Statista 2017) like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram and that they check in more than once during the day. As a direct sales businessman or woman, you need to go where the people are - and they are online! 

You may be uncomfortable with the idea of using social networking to boost your direct sales business, but it's where your competition is headed so you will probably want to keep up. Here are some ideas and tips for using social networking to boost your business.

1. Twitter

Twitter is meant for short, informative snippets of information that essentially answer the question, "What are you doing right now?" Twitter is not about what you did last summer, last week, or even several hours ago. This is why most people who want to tweet purchase a mobile device, so they can type quick informational tidbits at a moment's notice. 

For your direct sales business, Twitter can serve the purpose of product updates, promotions, sales, and events. You can tweet the latest product your company is offering, or a "one day only" sale. Twitter helps you keep a large number of people informed - you don't have to call up every individual customer and inform them by phone.

2. Facebook and Instagram

Using Facebook can boost your direct sales business in several ways.

* Customer communication - Even though the method has changed, communicating with your client base is still considered the most important aspect of a direct sales business. People appreciate personal contact, and Facebook provides the opportunity to provide it to a large number of people without taking a lot of time. 

* Research your demographic - Facebook gives you the opportunity to search for keywords that might reveal a certain demographic; if you are selling professional cookware, for example, you could look for profiles with words like "chef" or "gourmet." 

* Ads - These are another way you can use Facebook to boost your direct sales business. Once you have a certain target audience in mind, you can hone in on their needs and wants, and post ads to their pages accordingly. 

* Business page - Facebook gives you the chance to set up your own business page, where customers can see what you are all about. 

3. Online parties

One of the fun things that social networking offers for direct sales representatives are the opportunity to host an online party to promote your products. Many people, both hosts, and guests find this much less stressful than a real-life party. After all, you can attend from home and not worry about having to go out or get a babysitter, or what have you. 

Use Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook to inform customers of the upcoming party, and provide them with a friendly reminder as the time gets closer.