So you have set up your Facebook page, you have your business up on Instagram, and you are Tweeting happily away. So now your thoughts turn to how to get more people to follow you.
Well you can always pay for more fans but let’s not go down this road – we always want quality over quantity. So let’s look at some other ways we can get more people to pay attention to you.
First, the basics…
Make sure your Web site has all your social media details and direct links to the pages. In fact, make sure every marketing activity you do always contains your social media channels such as your brochures, business cards, email signatures etc.
Add a “like” button on your Web site. People who are visiting your website are probably reading your pages and blog posts, listening to your podcasts or enjoying other information you post. They are consumers of your content already and the like box makes it very easy for them to click one button and then instantly follow you.
Ensure your “contact me” page, contains all your social media channels. Include plugins to embed your social media pages on your Web site. People can then like and share your details without leaving your Web site (and the easier it is, the more likely they will actually follow or like you).
Tell all your friends, members, clients, leads everyone in your network you are on Facebook, LinkedIn or Instagram. Don’t be shy here. Use your email lists and databases too. Make sure everyone knows you are on social media and give them a compelling reason as to why they should follow you.
Use your personal page to promote your business. Stop accepting friend requests from people who should be liking your business page – drive them to your business page instead.
Cross promote your social media channels with each other – for example:
- Link to your company’s Facebook Fan Page on your home page of your company website.
- Link to your company’s Facebook Fan Page in all emails.
- Become a Fan of your own Fan Page and suggest it to your Friends list.
- Use Twitter to announce your new Fan Page and offer deals to new Fans.
- Link to you Facebook Fan page on your Blog and other social profile sites.
- Use Facebook content in email newsletters.
- Post links from newsletter articles on Facebook.
And always tell people WHY they should follow you? Get access to exclusive Instagram deals, get the inside scoop on the latest fitness trends on Facebook – give people a genuine reason to be friends with you.
Use your fan base to gain more exposure
There is a simple but very true saying – content is king. Make sure you post interesting, timely and relevant content for your audience to keep them entertained and engaged. Create content that excites your fans to share it. And make sure you include photos and videos. Post consistently and regularly so you are “top of mind” with your followers.
Make sure you ask your fans and followers questions too – questions generate discussions, and discussions are a great way to connect with your current fans. Interesting conversations can pull in outsiders and those outsiders can end up converting into fans. Simple rule of thumb, if you’re scraping for updates to post, ask a question instead.
Your current members and clients are your best source of leads – the same goes for your fans, they provide a rich source of attracting more like-minded people. So how about giving them incentives – share or retweet this post to get a free protein bar when you next come into the gym.
Take a photo of you working out with one of our personal trainers, tag and post it on Instagram/Facebook and get an extra week free.
Comment on this post – tell us your best way to stay motivated to train over winter and receive a free water bottle.
If you can get your members or clients to tag, share, comment, or retweet your posts or photos, then all their friends will see it and this provides a great source of more exposure and possibly more followers for your fitness business.
Gaining exposure to new audiences
So how about some ways to get more followers outside of your current fan network?
Look at liking or following relevant businesses in your local area – consider hair salons, physiotherapists, massage centres, beauty salons, etc. If you like and follow them, chances are they will return the favour.
You may want to consider some cross promotions with complimentary businesses – a wonderful way to gain exposure to a whole new audience.
Look at running a cool contest. People love winning stuff. If you can get your hands on a decent prize and make entry as easy as becoming a fan of your page then you will see your fan base increase dramatically. You may even want to consider offering your fans the chance to win a prize by submitting a photo to your page. Contests and giveaways are a great way to reach out to people who haven’t yet discovered your Facebook page.
If you are on Facebook and LinkedIn, look at joining relevant groups and start contributing content. Again a whole new world can open before your eyes with like-minded people who are more inclined to be interested in your services.
And blogging is a must – writing winning blogs that drive traffic and increase leads – which will in turn drive more people to your social media channels.
Try some online advertising through LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter. You can be really targeted with who sees your ad when you advertise online. Experiment with different types of ads to see what works best for your fitness business and make sure you choose the option that allows people to like or follow your page directly from the ad.
- What about the outside world?
Ah yes, the real world! Almost forgot that one.
If you have a studio or gym, put a placard on the front desk letting your customers know what social media networks you are on. And give incentives to people who join right away via their mobile device and show you/your staff the confirmation for some kind of instant reward.
Any offline advertising you do, include your social media details such as banners, collateral or merchandise.
If you are doing any email or text campaigns or letterbox drops, make sure everyone knows you are online and how to connect with you.
Attend relevant conventions and seminars for a chance to start networking. Get out there and start hanging out with strangers who would be fans of your page if they only knew about it. Speaking at an event will give you a lot of credibility, but even going as a simple attendee can be beneficial.
Talk to real people and tell them all about you. More connections in the real world as this will lead to more friends in the online world.
If you manage a fitness business and need help with your social media, I have a special deal for you. For only $199 I will provide you with an in-depth analysis of your current social media and how it can be improved to build awareness, increase sales and generate leads. In addition, I will provide you with a 12 month Facebook social media content schedule to gain more views, likes and shares to your business. Contact me at michelle@legrandmarketing.com.au or call me on 0419 428 604 to take advantage of this great offer.