{"time":1706601477344,"blocks":[{"id":"aeBAtLF0Pz","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Social media is such a powerful tool. It can catapult your business to great heights, get can create community and you can also destroy everything you have built."}},{"id":"93csx3VK-b","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Had you in the first half huh?"}},{"id":"8Hb3txPsEI","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Well, fact is that if you don't use social media appropriately, you will fail at your entire business. However, it isn't all lost! What you need to do is just take note of these social media tips to ensure that you can manage your presence. "}},{"id":"MT9SE_o5JA","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Make sure you post frequently and consistently"}},{"id":"TBmTjRjoVW","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"There is nothing customers hate more than a business that makes no effort to engage. Make sure customers are not fighting for their lives to know information about your business. Your content should be able to answer the following:"}},{"id":"_C4jVOv_Wz","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":" > What do you have to offer?"}},{"id":"2mwhZaC1kr","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":" > Where do you offer these products/services?"}},{"id":"SlUDJy5TJ9","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"> What is your order procedure?"}},{"id":"uCsC4FTzwG","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":" > What information do you need to provide in order to access services?"}},{"id":"Izz35lPzhe","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"> What payment options do you accept?"}},{"id":"rgG2YN7cha","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"> What are the terms and conditions?"}},{"id":"c3PYiaTsiH","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"> What are your business's values and beliefs?"}},{"id":"anjTRnqfnB","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Content is meant to speak to audiences and most importantly your target market. The purpose of social media is to inform, inspire, and educate people about the business, its offerings and the brand."}},{"id":"JYca6uhITA","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Do not follow trends, make sure you have a style"}},{"id":"rJaIbDqQEc","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Trending topics, trending images, trending ideas are always fun but always remember you are trying to run a business. A business is better off establishing its brand and galvanizing that brand by having a \"style\"."}},{"id":"EvLF3HyFRd","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Have a tone, and style that speaks to your brand's persona. Are you classy? Are you friendly? Are you trendy. Remember, a brand can change overtime not overnight!"}},{"id":"ZxejVwPZFD","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Do respond to negative criticism/bad reviews"}},{"id":"eehtTNRcRY","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"A customer's negative experience is the cornerstone of building your success. A business is only as good as the stories around it."}},{"id":"r-o-LRSRL9","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"If you have a negative criticism or bad reviews this is a great time for you to prove your worth as a business owner or service provider. The way you respond and resolve this matter could be what draws more people to your business or what chases them away from your business. "}},{"id":"Ditc-IrF2u","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Rules of resolving? Take note of the following:"}},{"id":"SWP3lhdQrz","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"> Make sure you do not start with defending yourself. LISTEN FIRST."}},{"id":"AONqGGLfQB","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"> Apologize to the customer for their dissatisfied experience. Even if they were wrong, you should just apologize as a stepping stone to resolving."}},{"id":"AR2IRmuxV_","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"> Find a way to \"fix\" it. I know in instances of services, you cannot really \"undo\" what had occurred but you can offer them a token of appreciation such as a voucher, a note book or something. "}},{"id":"8SJXdy9-Y6","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"> Do not get into a fight. This will always end up badly because in the world of social media your \"fight for your business\", won't be seen the same way. "}},{"id":"wQ-6y3DGgk","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Learn how to use the internet safely"}},{"id":"-P_buvL4Ts","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The truth is the internet is a huge equalizer providing opportunity to reach more clients but this also exposes you to more fraud and other cyber crimes. You need to understand a few key things such as avoiding phishing scams, avoiding payment scams and also protecting your data."}},{"id":"fdbrf46wSu","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Unfortunately, these are all pretty often occurring and you must be savvy to avoid some of these things. Somethings to take note of:"}},{"id":"QvtAfNUuzk","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"> When choosing a payment option, make sure you read the terms and conditions properly. Make sure you understand how the platform works and are able to identify a completed transaction."}},{"id":"GA9DPXLGPf","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"> Do not click on strange links or unidentifiable links. These are liking phishing scams that would hack your profiles and possibly steal your business. "}},{"id":"969NJsF0FA","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"> Be wary of emails that you receive. Small businesses are a target for all types of scammers and you risk making losses if you are not careful."}},{"id":"CjR4fwxgBS","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Here is an article with more information on Cybersecurity for Small Businesses from the US's FCC."}},{"id":"VUq7QkrEK_","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Do take short courses and specialized training"}},{"id":"889mDcYPcc","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Learning is the only way that we can ensure that we can maximize the use of social media. However you need to prioritize your learning. I would advise that you look into the following courses:"}},{"id":"0bw43YYAZ_","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"> Cyber Basics for Small Businesses Training"}},{"id":"bInHxQPu0T","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"> Digital Marketing Basics"}},{"id":"TTDe42m25g","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"> Copywriting"}},{"id":"CFhkeULs0_","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"> Canva Design School"}},{"id":"LfKp9myezg","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"There is so much more that we can add but if you are just starting your social media journey this should be sufficient. Remember the learning is continuous and never ending. You must be willing to adapt to different rules."}},{"id":"zIjaxcEeEX","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"For reference, I am a marketing communications specialist with more than 8 years experience and if you are looking for a consult you can reach out to me and check out my portfolio here."}}],"version":"2.28.2"}