How is it that well-known brands like Apple and Coca-Cola continue to dominate when it comes to branding? These businesses have achieved something remarkable; their customers are not just customers, they’re fans, ready to sing the praises of the companies they love. But, getting to that point may not be as simple as it sounds. Before these major brands got to that point, they each embarked in a process of audience building that put them in a position to connect with their customers in a more deep and meaningful way. One of the best things you can do for your brand is stop and assess if you truly know your audience. You can start right away by developing buyer personas, or customer profiles, and then building and connecting with your audience from there. After you’ve developed those personas, take the steps below to begin leverage your brand in front of your audience.
Take Advantage of Social Media
Honestly, isn’t making connections what Social Media is for? Millions around the world are constantly making themselves heard through one platform or another. If you aren’t on those platforms, listening in or speaking up, you are missing out. If you’re a small or medium business, it may not make sense for you to be everywhere on social media. Place a concentrated effort on building your audience on one or two social networks that will really have impact for you.
Listen to Your Audience
To go along with the last point, listen. People have no problem making their wants and needs known, especially in our age of anonymity on the web. Those who succeed do so by listening to what their audience wants, not telling them. Use tools like BuzzSumo, Keyhole, or Google Alerts to create notifications when people are talking about your brand or topics related to your brand.
Remain True to Your Identity and Brand
You have a product or service, you have a brand, and you have an idea who that brand appeals to most. Stay true to your brand and your audience will fall in love with you. Don’t be afraid to attract the people who love your brand, even if it might mean leaving those who don’t behind. It’s alright to speak directly to your niche. Your brand may not appeal to everyone, but for the fans it does appeal to, they’ll appreciate it.
Go Visual
Show, don’t tell. It’s a tale you’ve heard a thousand times, and it’s still true. An image will stick with your audience, and platforms like Instagram and Facebook make it easier than ever to make that connection.
Have a Vision
Have it be something larger than you, larger than the business, larger than life! People want to feel like they are part of a movement or a trend. If you can see a higher calling for them to connect to, they will follow you to the ends of the Earth.
These are five quick steps that will help you grow and attract an audience that can prove valuable for brand for a long time. Once you’ve built an audience on social media that loves you, you will have more visibility through the likes of your raving fans!