As of January 2017, there were about 2.789 billion active social media users. This proves how social media can be a powerful tool for brands to connect with their potential audiences.

Well, there are already top retailers that are capitalizing social media marketing fully to target their customers in personalized and engaging ways. So, if you’re having a difficult time managing your social media, there are a few lessons you can learn from them.

We’re going to cover some of the actionable tips used by top retailers to get outstanding results on social media. So, if you’re making any SMM mistakes, this post should help you out.

Let’s get straight into it!

1. Build User Engagement Like Target

Target is one of the biggest online retailers in the U.S. and boasts over 23 million page likes on Facebook. This retailer has been successful in engaging its audiences on Pinterest, Twitter, and Facebook through keeping messages clear, simple and relevant.

The Facebook page of Target says it all. With an overwhelming amount of messages, the retailer uses a personalized approach to ensure customers’ needs are met. They address each customer by name and provide a phone number to those who want to speak to a customer agent.

2. eBay Uses a Variety of Content Types

This is a great strategy especially when you’re selling just about everything. eBay regularly posts different content types to stand out from the rest of the competition.

Usually, the content types are diverse posts of product spotlights to serve their different audiences. By reminding your customers about your current products, you’re keeping them informed and engaged.

Create a mix of different content types and unleash a robust social media strategy for business growth.

3. Turn Boring Things Into Something That’s Fun – Staples

Well, notebooks, pens, and paper clips aren’t items that can excite customers easily. You’ll need to be creative enough when creating an effective social media campaign for them.

Staples’ social media marketing strategy will give you some clues on how to get that done. This retailer has been successful in making their social media messages entertaining and fun by using creative videos and inspiring memes.

The imagery and content Staples uses compels you to get those pens and clips. They make your office time just fun.

4. Use the Power of Storytelling – Amazon

Amazon is one of the top performers when it comes to social media. They don’t just spam their followers with product announcements and coupons, but they use social media to spread engaging and thoughtful content.

A practical way of creating a story is to sequence your ads or posts to improve your conversions and engagement. Try as much as possible to align your story with the values of your audience.

Experts usually recommend marketers to move away from product-oriented stories to customer value-oriented or lifestyle branding.

5. Extend Customer Service to Social Media – OverStock

More people are now using social media for just about everything, from making inquiries to placing orders. With mobile apps, such as Facebook Messager and Twitter, customers are finding it easier to reach out to businesses via those platforms.

OverStock’s social media strategy allows it to offer professional customer service on Facebook and engage users of Twitter. On their Facebook page, you’ll notice that they have responded to all customers who have made inquiries regarding product availability, colors, and shapes. This eliminates the need for customers to call or email the retailer for help.

Social Media Marketing – The Takeaway

Social media is growing at an outstanding pace, and everyone seems to be using these platforms now.

If you find yourself struggling with your social media marketing, it’s not bad to learn a thing or two from brands and retailers that are doing it well.

Invest in creating and sharing content that your audience will love. Don’t forget to do this consistently. Remember, every social media update counts.

Do you need help with your social media strategy? Feel free to contact us and one of our team members will help you.