Direct message marketing uses social media messaging features or applications to grow your business. WhatsApp, Viber, and Facebook Messenger are the most popular social messaging applications to know about. The features offered by many of these applications are built on the idea to increase audience engagement. The more you get your target audience involved, the more likely they will become loyal customers as they learn more about you. Improving your communication and availability also sets you apart from your competition.
The following are four important rules to follow when using direct messaging to market and grow your business:
Use Automated Messaging Sparingly
Automated messages should only be used where relevant and during after-hours. Most consumers want to work with brands that allow them to work with or ask questions from real people, not robots. Of course, 24-hour customer service is not always possible or worth the price when you are a small business which makes bots useful and relevant but not all the time. Use your analytics to find which hours your target audience is most active to set up a time where they can talk to you or someone from your business one-on-one.
Always Remember to Personalize
Personalization prevents you from looking like a spammer or fraudster. Many scammers, unfortunately, take advantage of many different types of online marketing, but it is noticeable. Especially when it comes to personalization. Scammers do not have the time or care to make you feel special. It is more efficient for them to send the same message repeatedly to different people, which is why personalization will go further.
Never Send Unsolicited Messages
The most important rule to direct message marketing is to avoid sending unsolicited messages whenever possible. A few “thank you for following” statements are okay, but sending a sales message will make your audience run. Ask for permission first. This way, you know your lead is worth the time and are actually interested in learning more.
Always Aim for Real Connection and Value First
While making a sale may sound like your number one priority due to needing revenue to run a business, it isn’t. If you want to gain income, you need to care about your customers; it’s what truly matters the most. This starts by having a genuine and honest conversation. Always listen and read what your customers are asking for first. Never steer them away from what they need for your own agenda.
While it is a powerful resource to use, it can also quickly lead to poor results if done incorrectly. You never want to make your business look scammy or unethical by overusing bots or sending too many messages. Keep these rules in mind if you're going to use direct message marketing to grow your business and engage your audience.
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