Why Businesses Need to Show Their Human Face on Social Media
Simone Bonnett
Marketing Strategy | Social & Content Strategy | Employee Advocacy | Specialist in Highly Regulated Industries | Diversity & Inclusion
As a social media manager, I’m a big fan of businesses leveraging the power of social media to humanise their brand. In today's fast-paced world, customers are not just interested in the products or services that a business offers, they also want to know the people behind the brand. So in busy news feed where businesses are competing using any number of marketing and sales tactics - the ones who show their human face and make the effort to connect with the audience, tend to make the bigger impression.?
Key Reasons Why You Should Humanize Your Brand on Social Media
Building Trust with Customers
Trust is a crucial factor in the decision-making process of consumers, especially in the B2B market. When customers trust a brand, they are more likely to invest in the products or services offered, regardless of the price tag. By humanizing your brand on social media and engaging with customers in a more personal and authentic manner, you can build trust and foster long-term relationships with your audience.
Enhancing Brand Loyalty
Customers are more likely to stay loyal to a brand that they can relate to. By showing the human side of your business on social media, you can make your brand more relatable and appealing to your target audience. This can lead to increased brand loyalty and repeat business.
Encouraging Brand Advocacy
Consumers are more likely to recommend and share content from brands that they trust and have a personal connection with. By humanizing your brand on social media, you can encourage your audience to become brand advocates, sharing your content and promoting your business to their own networks.
Practical Tips for Humanizing Your Brand on Social Media
1. Use Real Names and Faces
One of the simplest ways to humanize your brand on social media is to use real names and faces. Instead of hiding behind a company logo, use your personal name or the names of your team members when posting updates or engaging with your audience. This helps to show that there are real people behind your brand, making your content more relatable and trustworthy.
Alongside using real names, you should also include photos of your team members on your social media profiles and in your content. This helps to give your audience a better idea of the people behind your brand, making it easier for them to connect with your business on a more personal level.
2. Develop a Consistent Writing Voice
To truly connect with your audience on social media, it's essential to develop a consistent writing voice that reflects your brand's personality. This voice should be authentic and engaging, allowing your audience to feel like they are interacting with a real person rather than a faceless corporation.
3. Share Behind-the-Scenes Content
Sharing behind-the-scenes content is a great way to humanize your brand on social media. This can include photos of your team at work, videos of company events, or even sneak peeks of upcoming products or projects. By giving your audience a glimpse into the inner workings of your business, you can create a more personal connection and show the human side of your brand.
领英推荐
4. Listen and Engage with Your Audience
One of the most important aspects of humanizing your brand on social media is actively listening and engaging with your audience. This means monitoring mentions of your brand, industry, and competitors, and joining relevant conversations with helpful comments and insights. By listening and engaging with your audience, you can demonstrate your brand's authenticity and credibility, while also gaining valuable feedback and insights.
5. Showcase Your Company's Values and Culture
Another way to humanize your brand on social media is to showcase your company's values and culture. Share stories about your company's charitable efforts, commitment to sustainability, or involvement in the local community. This will help to demonstrate your brand's commitment to more than just profits and create a deeper connection with your audience.
6. Respond to Comments and Messages
Taking the time to respond to comments and messages from your audience is essential for humanizing your brand on social media. This shows that you value their input and are genuinely interested in their feedback and opinions. Make sure to respond in a timely manner and with a friendly, conversational tone to further strengthen your connection with your audience.
7. Use Humor and Emotions
Incorporating humor and emotions into your social media content can make your brand more relatable and human. Share funny anecdotes, inspirational stories, or personal experiences to create an emotional connection with your audience. Just be sure to keep the tone appropriate for your brand and audience.
8. Celebrate Milestones and Achievements
Sharing your company's milestones and achievements on social media is another way to humanize your brand. Whether it's a company anniversary, reaching a follower milestone, or winning an industry award, celebrating these moments with your audience can help to create a sense of community and shared success.
Humanizing your brand on social media is essential for building trust, enhancing brand loyalty, and encouraging brand advocacy. By using real names and faces, developing a consistent writing voice, sharing behind-the-scenes content, and actively engaging with your audience, you can create a more personal and authentic connection with your customers. By showcasing your company's values and culture, collaborating with influencers, and being transparent about your mistakes, you can further strengthen your brand's human element and foster long-term relationships with your audience.