Like it or not, today’s businesses are built on digital communication, from emails to Zoom calls, from social media to marketing websites with online shopping carts. And with everyone and their cat on the internet, it’s more important than ever that you show up STRONG.
For part buyers, OEMs, shops providing precision machining services, and others in the manufacturing space, accomplishing this goal involves:
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Effectively leveraging social media
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Creating content people care about
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Engaging with your industry online
Keep reading for step-by-step instructions on creating an impactful online presence.
1. Effectively Leverage Social Media
Social media is a must-have for any modern business looking to expand and maintain their reach—and I’m not even talking about paid ads. Simply existing on social media gives you a level of credibility that you can’t achieve any other way.
Begin by choosing your preferred platforms
A good rule of thumb is to run two social media accounts to start:
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LinkedIn (non-negotiable for businesses!)
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One of these: YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, Reddit
LinkedIn. Even if the business you represent doesn’t have a LinkedIn profile, you should have one! LinkedIn is where business-minded people gather, connect, and collaborate. If you’re a business owner, you should also establish a LinkedIn account for your company. Check out TAKT’s LinkedIn profile here.
YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram. These platforms are 100% visual in nature, so only set yourself up with YouTube, TikTok, or Instagram if you love creating videos and photos.
Facebook, Twitter, Reddit. These platforms can showcase videos and photos, but those elements aren’t required. Facebook, Twitter, and Reddit are ideal if you love being part of active discussions.
Ultimately, you want to be where your audience is. If most of your audience is on Facebook, you should be there, too. TAKT is on Facebook, and we’d love to connect with you there!
Optimize your social media accounts
It may sound scary, but optimizing your social media accounts is seriously simple. Here’s what you need:
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Profile picture. Upload a clear photo of your friendly-looking face—not your dog or your adorable kiddo. People want to see that you’re a real human being.
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Business profile picture. If you’re optimizing a company page, upload your logo as the profile picture. People will know your logo in no time!
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Fill in the blanks. Follow your social platform’s prompts to add details such as your website address, contact number, job title, services provided, and any other relevant information.
TAKT Tip: Get on Google
Create a business profile on Google, then actively ask your customers for reviews. Consider adding a “Review Us” link to your email signature and website so folks can quickly and easily give you a five-star review. When you get a review—especially if it’s a good one—be sure to reply to your reviewer and thank them!
2. Create Content People Care About
The reason for having an online presence is to connect with other people, whether customers or colleagues. To connect, you have to start conversations. And how do you start conversations on social media? By posting content.
What is content? Content is just a fancy word for whatever the heck you publish on your social media feeds. Photos, videos, stories, memes, articles, links, tips, and announcements are all examples of content.
But it’s not enough to throw a post up and call it a day. If you want your online content to be effective, it has to provide value to your target audience. You’ll know your content is valuable if it gets engagement, such as likes, shares, and comments.
According to the social media experts at CoSchedule, the most valuable types of content are:
Infographics. Share data and statistics that are relevant to your target audience. You can make simple graphics for FREE in Canva—no major design skills needed!
Interactive. Quizzes, polls, and simple questions are all examples of interactive content.
Emotional. You’ve probably heard the adage, “People buy solutions to problems and good feelings.” Emotionally driven posts prompt those good feelings!
Visual. Photos, videos, and graphics are examples of visual content. The most shareable content is typically visual in some way.
Lists. There’s no end to the lists you can make: top-selling products, top-hiring industries, top-paying jobs, top tips for accomplishing XYZ. If it’s relevant to your audience, turn it into a list!
Newsworthy. Did your company just acquire another brand? That’s newsworthy! Did a law pass that will impact your industry—and your customers? That’s newsworthy, too!
Start implementing posts like these, and see what “sticks.” The great thing about social media is that you can always try something new tomorrow.
TAKT Tip: Use hashtags
Adding hashtags to your posts is a really helpful way to get your content in front of the right audience. Look for hashtags that already feature similar content to yours. The people following those hashtags are the people you want to reach.
3. Engage with Your Industry Online
In addition to posting your planned social media content, take the time to comment on other people’s posts. Engage with pages belonging to your customers, industry colleagues and peers, membership organizations, vendor partners, and anyone else you want in your business network.
And by “engage,” I don’t mean “advertise.” People can sense inauthentic engagement a mile away! Leave comments that are genuine, personal, and specific to the post, person, or company.
Trust TAKT for Simple Solutions
Along with tips for growing your business, TAKT provides comprehensive manufacturing solutions, including sheet metal fabrication and precision machining services, quoting and estimating operations, machined parts sourcing, and sales support.
