This month we saw Vintage Academy‘s first business column published in Vintage Life magazine. We answer business questions as well as providing a great shout out to vintage companies. Last week we featured Keeley’s answer, this week it’s Kate’s turn.
“Which social media platforms would you recommend to vintage businesses?” Vintage Revolution
Kate says:
“Social networking has become one of the most important ways to communicate with your customers – it’s amazing to think that only a few years ago we didn’t have this method of marketing. Even large corporations use it to listen to their customer’s needs so it is important that small independents embrace it too.
Personally I use Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram to engage with my customers, however it’s important to remember that they are all very different so you should consider how you use them rather than simply linking them all together.
Twitter is fast paced meaning you can communicate the same message throughout the day as it will reach different people at different times without looking like spam. I find this best for promoting blog posts. Facebook is slower where people spend more time therefore your updates need to capture their imagination so make sure you add images. Both Instagram and Pinterest are great for sharing your stock images and inspirations behind your brand – so always make sure that your post is relevant with eye catching photography.
Top Tips
- Remember you are talking to the whole world and that you represent your brand so be courteous and engaging, don’t be rude and overtly sell all the time.
- It’s a great way to meet potential business leads, speak to the press or to simply make virtual friends – the best way to do this is to build a rapport and be supportive of their brands.
- Consider scheduling your updates but remember to answer people at the time so you don’t look like a faceless computer.
- Make sure the look and feel of your social sites are consistent so your customers recognise your brand
- Always add links to your website in your biography as well as some stand out information about yourself and your business
It’s worth registering on the smaller, newer platforms such as Vine, LinkedIn and Google +, too. Above all remember to have fun without giving it your whole time: it’s so easy to spend the day tweeting rather than finishing your To Do list!”
For more business advice, inspiration and top tips why not come to our Vintage Academy events. Check out the website for more information. We will be writing a column every month for Vintage Life so if you have a burning question about your business get in touch!
Join us for #vintagebizhour every Monday 9-10pm on Twitter.
