Shop Talk: Promoting Products on Social Media

April 30, 2015

Selling a product is tough, isn’t it? With an over saturated market and so many choices bombarding our customers at every turn, how are we supposed to reach them in an authentic and clear manner? If you take a step back and observe where your ideal customers are spending most of their time online, chances are it’s on one of the many social media sites that we can access from our phones, tablets, desktops and more! So wouldn’t it make sense to connect with your clients where they are? Not only is social media a great tool for selling product, but it’s also an organic way to build community, start a conversation with your audience and come into contact with other incredible creatives. With a little bit of planning and smart positioning, you’ll be putting your product line in front of new eyes in no time. All in an authentic, spam-free way!

how to sell products on social media (without sounding spammy) via b is for bonnie design | b is for bonnie shop talk series | advice for ladies in online retail

Be Strategic with Posts

One of the biggest turnoffs for consumers is when they follow a brand on social media only to be bombarded with a barrage of sales-oriented posts. Yes, you and I know you’re trying to sell a product and pay your car insurance for the month, but don’t make that so glaringly obvious that it discourages your audience from engaging. Instead of post sales-oriented posts every single day, try to be sparing with the bottom line posts. For example, the one-in-seven posting rule encourages brands to only post one sales-oriented post in seven. That may seem counterproductive at first, but consider how you now have six other social media posts to fill with incredible content like behind-the-scenes glimpses, an inside look into the heart of your work, posts that humanize you to your audience, etc. By limiting the number of pushy, sales-oriented posts you share, you’re giving yourself the opportunity to build a more enjoyable social media experience for your audience, and are laying the foundation for an actual relationship with them.

Start a Conversation

With that in mind, be sure you’re always encouraging your audience to engage in a conversation with you. When posting, end a post with a question or a call-to-action! Ask your followers for their input, what they want to see more of in your collections, or how they could envision themselves incorporating your product into their lives. You’d be amazed at the valuable information and feedback your followers will freely offer, and all because you asked! And don’t forget that when your followers respond to your prompts that you should be responding as well. There’s nothing more disappointing then attempting to engage with a brand or profile, only to be overlooked.

Share Your Knowledge

Don’t think that your ability to contribute content to your followers begins and ends with your products. You are a wealth of knowledge when it comes to your industry, skill set or art form! And you can bet that your audience would be so interested to hear what you have to share. Don’t limit your posts to things that only highlight finished products or sales opportunities. Instead, share some information about the manufacturing process or finishing methods you use. Educate your audience on why you create a product in a certain way, or why you choose to work with specific vendors and manufacturers. Enlighten them to upcoming industry trends or the longterm benefits of your specific product. Not only will this help educate your audience, but it also helps to position you as a trusted expert in your field.

Sneak Peeks

Remember how I said not to only share finished products or sales-oriented posts? There’s so much more to your collection than the finished product! Think of how interesting the manufacturing process is, or what components go into simply packaging an order. Share those behind-the-scenes glimpses with your audience! Customers will feel a closer connection to your work, and they will also gain a deeper insight into the value, benefits and intricacy involved in the production process. Seemingly ordinary things like printing shipping labels, taking orders to the post office, or picking out new product packaging are all unique perspectives your audience wants to see captured in a creative way.

Post Regularly

All the hard work you’re putting into this social strategy won’t get you too far without consistency. One of the biggest ways to stay consistent with your social media presence, aside from content and messaging, is through regular posting. Have you ever visited a business’s social media profile, only to find they haven’t posted in five weeks? Often times you’ll begin to wonder if they’re still in business or accepting new orders! That’s definitely not the image you want to portray to your audience, so sit down and consider what a feasible and sustainable posting schedule looks like for you. Maybe it’s once a week, three times a week or every day. Don’t feel like you have to post every hour, on the hour to be effective. Find your rhythm and uncover what a sustainable schedule looks like within your day-to-day, and then stick with it.

Don’t forget that components like consistent brand voice and determining the proper social platform for your brand are important, too! Although this certainly isn’t an all-inclusive list, I hope it proves helpful as you utilize social media to engage in a more heartfelt way with your audience.

There you have it, friends! Although I rely on these methods for sharing my products and services via social media, I’d love to know what methods you use, too. Sound off in the comments below with your favorite way to share a new collection via social media, or perhaps your biggest challenge to successfully sharing online!

  1. Shaina says:

    SUCH a great post!! These are my favorite types of business accounts to follow. I love behind the scenes peeks and giving of knowledge. I’m going to try and utilize these tips even more moving forward with my business. Thanks!

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My name is Bonnie – I’m a brand designer, strategist, and writer which all adds up to one eclectic conglomeration of qualities that enables me to serve you well! Past clients have dubbed me "the Joanna Gaines of brand design," and I've had more than a few call me a dream maker, a game changer, and a design wizard (my Harry Potter-loving heart didn't hate that one, let me tell you!). At the end of the day, I'm a big-hearted creative who will get teary-eyed as you share the heart behind your business; who will lose sleep over the perfect font pairings and color selections to bring your brand to life visually; and who will work tirelessly to empower, encourage, and equip you to share your work with the world intentionally. 

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