Valerie Jennings and Johnna Londen are the owners of The Online Business Gurus, lovers of dogs, and social media mavens. Their agency specializes in done-for-you social media marketing and consulting, so they know a thing or two about the industry. And it may seem counterintuitive, but their OBT is that social media won’t make you millions of dollars.
Like/Know Trust Factor
“You're trying to build your community and your audience with that like/know trust factor- they have to like you, then they need to get to know you, and then they want to work with you.”
Social media isn’t an overnight cash cow, and that’s something that Valerie and Johnna try to communicate with clients during their first meeting. Growing a dedicated following that cares about what you’re saying and, ultimately, what you’re selling, requires time to build trust. The Like/Know Trust Factor doesn’t start after just one post. “I know people scream, ‘I don't have time, I don't have time.’ But in the long run, that extra 10 minutes a day is going to be beneficial for you when it's all said and done.”
Engaging in newsfeeds isn’t the only way to foster that strong trust, though. Valerie and Johnna are big fans of creating groups on Facebook and LinkedIn to create a more personal reach. But, if you’re going that route, the ladies warned that it takes a big commitment. “A lot of people start groups, and then they're really gung-ho for the first month or the first two months, and then you just never see them again.”
Sell It
Whether you’re storming the Twittersphere or building an engaged Facebook Group, the ultimate goal of any social media campaign is to sell yourself. “You want to make sure that you show the value and what you have to offer so that, so people stay engaged,” Valerie and Johnna reminded. It’s not just about providing entertaining content - it’s about providing valuable content that keeps your followers engaged and coming back for more.
“Let's be honest, in the online field, especially like in coaches and virtual assistants, you're selling yourself. You can do the work obviously, but you are selling yourself. If they don't like you, they're not going to work with you.”
If you’re ready to start building your social media strategy, The Online Business Gurus are offering my listeners a Free Social Media Review session. You can also catch up with Valerie and Johnna on LinkedIn or by visiting their website where you can sign up for their weekly newsletter.
