In this day and age that almost everyone is on social media, it’s no surprise that businesses leverage the platform to connect with potential customers. It’s akin to putting your brand in front of 4.48 billion people worldwide. And rightly so, as more and more consumers are discovering brands through social media.
If you’re looking for creative ways to use social media for ecommerce, here are ten of the best:
1. Social Media Shopping
Make it easier for consumers to get to your offerings by using your social media platforms as shopping spaces. This means crafting shoppable content that lets your followers shop in the comfort of their homes. You no longer have to lead them to your website, as they can purchase from the platform directly.
Use your Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok accounts to sell your wares. Create consistent content that will lure in new users and encourage them to browse through your products. Add high-resolution photos and detailed descriptions to lead them further to buy.
2. Leverage New Social Media Platforms
Don’t limit yourself to using what you’ve been accustomed to. If you’re on Facebook, X, or Instagram, why not explore TikTok or Pinterest? These platforms can offer new and unique opportunities that you may have been missing out on.
These unexplored platforms can open the doors for selling your products to new demographics. You can create exciting videos on TikTok or showcase your products on Pinterest. You can also use LinkedIn and other platforms you haven’t tried before.
3. Consider Using Interactive Elements
Make your social media for ecommerce more engaging and enjoyable for your followers by hosting interactive polls, quizzes, and surveys. When you know your audience well enough, you can craft relevant ones that will surely grab their attention.
In addition, you can also gather valuable information from these polls. They will give you insights into the behavior and preferences of your target market. This will then allow you to create better and more appropriate content.
4. Take Advantage of User-Generated Content
UGC or user-generated content can provide a creative way to use social media to boost your business. Ask your existing customers for images or videos that show how they use or benefit from your brand. You can do this by holding contests for the best photos or giving freebies to those who can send you content.
Not only will you be getting awesome content, but this is an excellent way of showcasing real-world product use. Think of this as a referral from actual and satisfied users.
5. Tell Stories
Almost all business has a success story to tell, and you can use this to raise the perceived value of your brand. Storytelling conveys your brand’s purpose, which makes you stand out and aid in capturing your audience’s hearts and winning them over. Facebook and Instagram are good outlets to do this, but so are YouTube and TikTok.
Whether it’s a story about your business, product, or founders, make sure to craft them creatively. You must also be consistently authentic in your content to build that connection with your customers and prospects. Storytelling can be great for publicity while having a more memorable way to deliver your brand message.
6. Leverage AI Technology
There is so much buzz around AI these days, thanks to the many uses and advantages it brings not only to individuals but businesses, too. Don’t be left out, and start leveraging the power of AI. A great option to use is Augmented reality (AR) filters and lenses.
The technology allows users to try on your products or view them in 3D. This is great for enhancing the user experience and engaging your followers. Social media platforms such as Facebook, Snapchat, and Instagram offer AR filter integration.
7. Present Your Products Naturally
Social media is primarily a place for people to socialize. This means most of them are on these platforms to relax and get updates from friends and family. In these instances, it’s best to refrain from publishing content that’s too sales-oriented.
Showcase your offerings in ways that will not look like you’re trying hard to sell. Create content that adds value to their everyday lives. Show them how your brand can benefit them and make lives easier. Be natural and authentic.
8. Host Live Demonstrations
Most social media platforms allow users to host live video sessions. Facebook Live, Instagram Live, and TikTok are the first to come to mind. Use them and host your own live product demonstrations, which can be helpful if you have a new product or you have a complex service to offer.
Live demos also allow you to engage potential customers, answer questions, showcase products, and offer discounts. You can also feature behind-the-scene videos to let your customers get a glimpse of what goes on in your business production.
9. Have Flash Sales
The FOMO (fear of missing out) phenomenon creates a sense of urgency, ideal for selling your products quickly. This is why flash sales can be an effective social media marketing strategy. Announce exclusive and limited-time flash sales that are only available through your socials.
You may want to build the excitement by creating a countdown or posting about it days or weeks before. This is also a good opportunity for a clearance sale, which can help you sell your old stocks easily.
10. Collaborate with Influencers
Boost your website traffic and revenues by collaborating with influencers related to your industry. Work with them to give you honest feedback, reviews, recommendations, or even live demos. Make them do these on the social media platform in which they have the most followers.
This can be a game-changer for your brand. Just make sure that the influencer you choose can give expert advice regarding your product. This builds trust and credibility for your brand while getting an extended reach that may not be available to you before.
Final Thoughts
Aside from all these, one creative way to use social media for ecommerce is through excellent graphics. And at Penji, we have the experts to create engaging and compelling designs for any type of business.