Nearly three-quarters of American adults use social media, which makes it a crucial step for any business. Social media is easily one of the best ways to connect with your customers for free or a very low cost, while also reaching those who haven’t heard of your business yet. So not sure of where to start? Getting started with setting up or updating your social media pages doesn’t have to be expensive or scary. With these simple tips, refinishers of any size can reach new markets, build brand awareness, and in turn, drive more sales.

 

1. Choose Your Social Media Platforms

Let’s start at the basics. First, you need to determine your desired platforms. Think LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter…the list of platforms in today’s age is endless, making you feel stuck in deciding which one will be the most significant return of investment. Instead, think about which platforms you enjoy and where you’ve seen helpful information about your industry. A Facebook business page is one of the best ways for any business to connect with their customers and build a following. LinkedIn is the go-to platform for businesses, where users can establish credibility with products and services and a place to share company announcements and job listings. Houzz is a platform specifically for the construction management industry. Contractors, interior designers and architects can showcase projects directly to homeowners. Instagram is a photo-based platform, perfect for showcasing aspirational kitchens and bathrooms and/or before/after photos if your best work. Spend the time doing a little research to see what might be the best fit for your business.

 

2. Find Inspiration

Second, find inspiration in what other small businesses in your industry are doing. Emulate the posts, photos and videos you like (you can shoot photos or videos on your phone) and keep track of trending hashtags to participate in those conversations and ensure that your media is seen. You can also use these accounts to determine what you don’t like or things that you feel you can do better. Your regularly updated social media presence serves as your portfolio, a networking tool, a customer interface and a lead generator. A lot of times, social media is your first impression so use it as a way to have fun, showcase your work, and build relationships with your customers.

 

3. Define Posting Schedules

Third, make a realistic commitment to posting schedules defining how much you can post and stick to that plan. If you invest some time, you can get in front of your customers for free or very low cost. Followers will learn to expect your regular posts, so use your posts as a way to build trust with your customers. Keep the info short and sweet, and avoid direct selling appeals. Social media allows you to establish yourself as a knowledgeable, professional business owner, not necessarily just a salesperson. There are several social media management tools to consolidate then roll out your posts to consistently share fun facts and helpful tips about your brand and your industry. Tools like Hootsuite even allow you to schedule posts in advance, allowing you to plan ahead and not needing to think about posting every day. Posting regularly helps keep you in people’s minds next time they need a refinisher.

 

Become the Local Go-To for Kitchen and Bathroom Refinishing

We hope these tips allow you to feel that starting or updating your business’s social media doesn’t have to be complicated. By keeping your website current and venturing into at least one or two social media platforms, your social media presence will eventually help get your business to be the local go-to for kitchen and bathroom refinishing.