1. Viewing Social Networks as Advertising Channels

It’s easy to run paid ads on social media, but this is only a fraction of what these platforms offer. Social media is designed for building connections with people—and this applies to businesses as well.

Approach social media like a personal networking event. Connect with people who could benefit from getting to know you and your business. Engage in conversations that pique their interest. By fostering these relationships and communities, you can leverage them to initiate sales.

2. Failing to Invest in Social Selling Training

If your team lacks proper training, you can’t expect outstanding results from your social selling strategy. Comprehensive social selling training should include:

• Building an effective and consistent personal brand.
• Establishing authority within your industry.
• Identifying and researching your target market.
• Building and maintaining relationships over time.
• Creating social content tailored to your audience.

Set up a clear social selling training process to help your team establish profitable connections before venturing across multiple platforms.

3. Not Using Digital Tools for Social Selling

Companies that exceed sales goals by over 50% are twice as likely to grow their LinkedIn networks compared to those that don’t. How can you achieve such success using digital tools?

By leveraging tools that simplify cross-platform content sharing, you can reduce the time spent publishing and focus on other tasks. Social selling professionals utilize tools to accomplish their tasks efficiently, rather than relying solely on their computers.

This is where the DigitalCake team steps in! We analyze your social networks and elevate your sales to new heights.

4. Neglecting to Optimize Your Social Media Profile

According to HootSuite’s 2022 Digital Marketing Trends, 43.5% of internet users rely on social networks for online brand research before making a purchase decision. To boost your sales, we ensure your social media profiles are visually appealing and professional.

Your business profile should reflect your brand identity and the quality of your products. Potential customers often form their first impression by clicking on your social media profile. Make it count—because this initial perception will determine whether they follow you or deem your product worth their investment.

5. Trying to Sell Without Building Trust

Following the previous point, you want to introduce yourself to new people, but starting these interactions with a sales pitch is a mistake. Trust is a decisive factor for 80% of consumers when making purchase decisions, and you don’t want to drive them away.

Instead of leading with product and price, introduce your company and the solutions you offer. By doing this effectively, you increase your chances of reaching people genuinely interested in your offerings.

6. Inadequate Research on Leads

Social media algorithms are optimized to connect you with your target audience. Not understanding your audience can be detrimental. If you aim for an unresearched demographic, you risk wasting time and resources.

An unresearched audience might be less receptive to your social selling efforts than anticipated, and competitors might reach the ideal audience long before you do.

7. Ignoring the Pain Points of Your Target Audience

Customers are more inclined to make a purchase when they feel your product consistently addresses their pain points. Researching your audience helps you identify their most pressing issues and what motivates key decision-makers within their companies.

We use this knowledge to help you create tailored and authentic content for your social media channels. The more solutions your profile offers, the more your engagement will grow positively.

8. Sharing Random, Irrelevant Content

Connecting with unrelated audiences or sharing off-topic content on platforms like LinkedIn is a waste of time.

Your connections follow you during the early stages of their buying journey to educate themselves. By sharing consistent and relevant content, they’ll engage with you and your company. Eventually, they’ll view you as a reliable source for solutions. So, choose your connections wisely and save the jokes or pet photos for your personal account for now.

By avoiding these mistakes and embracing a strategic approach, you can unlock the full potential of social selling. Let’s grow your business together!