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Today, it seems that nearly everyone is on social media — and that includes businesses. With the majority of small businesses using social media to reach their audience, there’s a lot of competition when it comes to earning the attention of potential customers. This is why it’s so vital to find a way to stand out and cut through the digital noise.
However, beyond creating viral videos or following the latest social media trend, there are a number of other, more meaningful ways to set your business apart. Here, nine business leaders from Rolling Stone Culture Council weigh in on some of the steps a business can take to ensure their social media presence stands out from the competition and engages their followers in a meaningful way.
Gain a Deep Understanding of Your Audience
Do your homework on the people you are marketing to. What are their likes, dislikes, concerns and hobbies? Personalize the posts so that you actually connect with your target market. A little background check goes a long way toward an effective social media strategy. – Zain Jaffer, Zain Jaffer Foundation
Highlight the Impact You’ve Made as a Business
Crafting authentic narratives and sharing genuine stories are vital to standing out amid the social media clutter. By highlighting the impact you’ve made and zeroing in on what resonates with your audience, you set yourself apart. Too often, businesses fixate on future promises that may or may not be realized rather than showcasing their past accomplishments and the journey that led them there. – Dustin Eide, CanPay
Embrace Your Differences
While a company may have similar products, services or principles about common issues, there’s always a unique angle to take. Refrain from getting bogged down by trends; instead, ensure your content adds a personal touch unique to you — how you word captions, a consistent theme or candid, impactful imagery. Stay mission-driven and spotlight your perspective. – Magen Baker, Bell + Ivy
Showcase Your Brand’s Unique User-Generated Content
Leveraging user-generated content has distinguished our social media presence. It creates a community feeling, increases follower engagement and provides authentic content that resonates with our audience, setting us apart from competitors. – Kristin Marquet, Marquet Media, LLC
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Cultivate Your Own Brand Voice
A business can create a distinctive social media presence by cultivating a unique brand voice that resonates with authenticity and human touch, setting them apart in a landscape of polished marketing. For me, being personable while creating content that offers real value — whether educational, inspirational or entertaining — has consistently fostered engagement and growth. – Matthew Miller, Orlando Informer
Engage With Customers as the Real You
Being authentic and engaging with your audience is key. Share behind-the-scenes glimpses, respond to comments and show your personality. Doing so builds trust and sets you apart from your competitors. It should feel like having a conversation with friends rather than an advertisement. – Adam Rumanek, Aux Mode Inc.
Provide Valuable Content for Subscribers
While social media marketing is important, consumers tend to tune out brands and posts that feel like just another ad. My company, for example, regularly publishes blogs containing actionable information and useful references. We find sharing these resources gets a better response than simple social media posts because consumers find actual value in them. – Evan Nison, NisonCo
Ensure You Add a Personal Touch
For me, the personal touch still reigns supreme. When you have an interaction with a client, customer or stakeholder on social media, does it feel like a genuine human experience for them, or does it feel like a bot? Most people don’t want to talk to a bot. Ensuring the personal touch takes more work, more time and more focus. But, I believe, it always pays dividends. – Jed Brewer, Good Loud Media
Focus on Building Genuine Relationships
To stand out on social media, prioritize genuine relationship-building. Most people forget that their customers are scrolling on these platforms to connect with one another. Avoid over-emphasizing calls to action that take people off these platforms, and instead engage in meaningful conversations via DMs, reply to comments and use interactive features. Aim to spark conversations in-app to stand out. – Dan Serard, Cannabis Creative Group
