Bringing the Experience of Offline Services Online to Build Trust

By jamie

In today’s (mostly) digital world, it’s more important than ever for small businesses to have a strong online presence. But simply having a website isn’t enough. You need to create a virtual experience that is as trustworthy and reliable as your offline experience.

One of the best ways to do this is to use social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram. These platforms allow you to connect with potential customers on a personal level and build relationships with them before they even become leads.

Here are a few tips for using social media to build trust with potential customers:

Be authentic. Overuse of AI in marketing, especially in writing, is off-putting, disingenuous, and often unchecked. People are skeptical of much of the online content they see. Overly curated content is being replaced by organic, authentic content from businesses. Show the behind-the-scenes of your business operations and don’t be afraid to post about your staff.
Be helpful. Share valuable content that will help your target audience. This could include blog posts, articles, infographics, or videos about your business and industry. Remember: what seems obvious to you isn’t so for your customers and clientele.
Be responsive. When people reach out to you on social media, be sure to respond quickly and professionally.
Be consistent. Post regularly on social media to keep your audience engaged.

Visual content is an especially powerful way to build trust with potential customers on social media. It allows you to show people who work at your company, satisfied customers and clients, and videos highlighting what you have to offer.

Here are some ways to use photos and videos (these don’t have to be professional shoots; smartphones have great cameras!):

Show your team. People want to know who they’re doing business with. So share photos and videos of your team members. This will help potential customers get to know your company culture and the people behind your products or services.
Feature satisfied customers and clients. Customer testimonials and reviews are a great way to show potential customers that your business is trustworthy and reliable. Share photos and videos of your customers using your products or services, and be sure to include their testimonials.
Highlight your products or services. Showcase your products or services in a way that is engaging and informative. Create videos that demonstrate how your products or services work, and share photos of your products in use.
Go behind the scenes. People are always interested in seeing what goes on behind the scenes at a company. Share photos and videos of your office, your manufacturing process, or your team working on a project. This will help potential customers get a better understanding of your business and how you operate.

Get to know the strategysmith team on Instagram.

How to “Meet” People Virtually and Show the Value Before They Become Leads from Online Campaigns and Digital Ads

Once you’ve built a strong relationship with potential customers on social media, you can start to show them the value of your products or services. Here are a few tips:

Share customer testimonials and reviews. This is a great way to show potential customers that your business is trustworthy and reliable.
Offer free consultations or demos. This is a great way to give potential customers a chance to experience your products or services firsthand.
Run contests and giveaways. This is a fun way to engage with potential customers and build excitement around your business.
Partner with other businesses. This is a great way to reach a wider audience and build credibility for your business.

Why You Should Start Building a Photo and Video Library Today

Bring Offline Marketing Efforts Into the Digital Fold

You may (should) also be doing offline marketing. Just as we use online efforts to drive offline success, we want to make sure to maximize the return on effort for any in-person marketing. To seamlessly bridge the gap between in-person and virtual interactions, consider incorporating the following strategies:

QR Codes:
- Provide QR codes on business cards, flyers, and event materials that direct to your social media profiles, website, or landing pages.
- These make it easy to follow your business online.
Lead Capture:
- Collect contact information through lead capture forms at events.
- Send follow-up emails with additional resources, exclusive offers, and invitations to connect on social media.
- Use virtual business cards to exchange contact information quickly and reliably.
Location-Specific Video Content:
- Create and share video content that is relevant to the event location or industry.
- This personalized touch can foster a deeper connection with potential leads.
Social Media Engagement:
- Engage with attendees on social media platforms before, during, and after the event.
- Respond to comments, messages, and mentions to continue the conversation.
Virtual Events:
- Host virtual events or webinars to extend the conversation beyond the physical event.
- Provide value-added content and opportunities for attendees to connect with each other.

Building trust is essential for any business, but it’s especially important for small businesses. By using social media to create an online experience that is just as trustworthy and reliable as your offline experience, you can build relationships with potential customers and turn them into loyal customers.

Need a partner?

strategysmith marketing is ready to work with you and your business on content marketing and social media marketing, as well as to provide valuable insights into the best practices for your digital marketing strategy.

Ready to chat about your marketing efforts? Reach out to us here.