Before I dive into some easy points to get that engagement to convert into sales, let’s address the elephant in the room. The whole IG world is just in a slump. It isn’t just you. It’s just a matter of fact engagement is just down in general. More people are on the app and that also means more creators. But don’t let it get you down, this is where knowing your audience will be key, which I’ll address, ICA’s (Ideal Client Avatars) are just an important topic. You may be also questioning if it’s possible to make sales when your follower numbers are such and such… And, the answer is Absolutely! Yes! The 10K Follower Swipe-up Feature isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Trust me I’ve seen the numbers, and this isn’t just based on one account, we all see it. That swipe isn’t all it’s cracked up to be and neither are numbers so don’t worry about getting your followers to a certain number, focus on taking care of the people right in front of you! Your current audience, your people, now that’s what matters. Let’s focus on those people and how to sell to them.

Now for the fun! 5 Points of Turning Engagement into Sales:

1. Get into those DMs - Post in stories to encourage people to dm you or use their stories to start a non-sales conversation. Build up a connection, don’t be spammy, and start off with sales pitches. No one likes that.

2. Return the Love - As we like to say in my FB group, “Don’t Post & Ghost!” Reciprocate the post interaction. I want you to especially pay attention to the top 20 people interacting with you. If they are supporting you, support them back. Trust me it pays off, ties in with the “Like-Know-Trust” Factor.

3. Bring Value - Being the expert on a topic. Don’t over or under-sale your level of expertise. Play around with your amount of sales vs non-sales posts.

4. Consistency - I will preach this over and over again, but be consistent! Show up, stories/lives, like #3 build-up that connect for the “Like-Know-Trust.”

5. Understanding Your ICA’s Needs - Speak directly to your ICA. They will know you have the solution for their problem and there’s the sale.

Try it, try it all, and get back to me! If you need help and an extra little push just reach out to me. That’s what I’m here for. Also, if you want to stay in the loop, make sure to sign up for my weekly emails, especially after the recent social media outages. ;)

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6 social media marketing strategies to watch in 2022, some you may know and others might surprise you. Let’s dive right in!

1) Video - You’ve heard me preach about this time and time again, but video is huge and will just continue to just grow. Instagram is still pushing reels like crazy! Though, maybe you noticed Instagram got rid of the “IGTV” and the spot it was in your profile/wall. Well, now that spot is just simply video. Take a look, you maybe notice all your old videos and boomerangs from your feed now lumped together there, (it’s next to your reels section before tagged posts). But, really! Video, Video, Video! 90% reels in my feed, it’s almost weird to see still image in the feed these days.

2) DMs - Create connections in those DMs, get to know your followers. Show up, so they know you’re a real person, not another spambot just trying to get their money.

3) Perfectionism is Out! Be authentic!!! No perfect feed! No perfect makeup and hair! Days of color-coded aesthetics are out. IG wants people to show up and be real. *Photographers, still stay true to your eye and aesthetics, clearly you are not the same, but still show up in video as the real you. Show that behind the scenes.

4) AR/VR - So IG/FB aka “Meta” owns Oculus (VR Headset) this is a shift to tie that in. I’m also not an expert in this space yet, but Ive heard they are hoping to be a space for virtual meetings, like one step closer to in-person than zoom chats could be. This maybe is your chance to launch an app? Or maybe like the artists selling those skins? Or NFTs? Bitcoin? Like I said, not my specialty, but it’s coming. In fact, when I recently purchased my new glasses through Zenni Optical, they have a feature that uploading a selfie along with some measurements gives you a pretty clear idea of what your glasses purchases will look like before they arrive.

5) User-Generated Content (UGC) - Get your users and followers to generate content for you. As a business using client/influencer/user-based content is the way of reaching your sales audience in another authentic way, sharing other people’s voices and opinions, examples of your products out in the world. Just a great way to meet new target audiences as well.

6) Memes/Gifs - Yes, I just said “memes,” lol, but video or static, these are the way! They have been the way for a long time and that won’t be going away anytime soon. Memes and gifs are great conversation starters, great for creating feedback, interaction, and shares. So how can you meme? (Don’t worry I plan to bring in a specialist in this area for a talk soon.)

In short, at this point, it’s highly unlikely it’s just you in your line of business, even if you are in a niche market, so you gotta step up and lean into what your superpower is in 2022. Are you wondering what your “superpower” is? Easy, it’s being you! No one else like you and you want to create that connection that begs for sales. Show up, show your face, be in those videos/reels/stories! And, make sure to keep an eye out in the EFF Facebook group for more live trainings for all 6 of these growing media options.

DM (Direct Message) = Engagement. And, Engagement is the Goal! Always the goal. Instagram rewards engagement. But, beyond that DMs create brand awareness and creates loyalty. Whenever you allow a personal touch it helps. It’s like a warming up for leads. You are creating connections, which leads ot sales and/or referrals, all great things.

DM is key, when done right.

Want to warm up leads from your Ideal Client? Try responding on their profile, likes, and comments (longer than 4 words, emojis don’t count) then send a message WITHOUT selling. Ask about them! Build a relationship. This is not a short term sales goal this is a long game to turn a cold lead into a warm lead and find out if they are your ICA.

Not sure how to DM? There’s more than 1 way to DM!

1. Normal/Typical - Send/Respond Text or Voice Messages (up to 1 minute)

2. Photo - Camera Roll or taken directly in DMs

3. Video (up to 15 seconds) - Great connection, when people can see your eyes and enthusiasm, but gotta keep it short since it’s only in 15 sec. segments.

4. Video Chat/Calling

5. Group Chats

6. From Stories (place a question or whatnot that warrants a response and respond!) *This is also a great way if you live in a country that prohibits DM cold calling.

No matter what way you do it, just remember, BE AUTHENTIC! BE YOU! Don’t just slide in and sell, build some trust by being yourself! Create relationships and real brand awareness and brand loyalty with a personal connection. Remember, practice makes perfect! Feel free to DM me.