Creating Virtual Trust With Social Media

You have undoubtedly heard me speak, read my books, blogs, tweets, and FB fan posts, or been part of the Bob Phibbs Experience. One unifying part of all of that communication to you is that we need to earn trust before we can get a customer to buy something from us.

That’s because people buy from people they trust.

With all the news about Facebook fans, YouTube, Threads, LinkedIn, Instagram, and other social media outlets, we can often become enamored with followers when we should be enamored with engagers. Here's how to help them market your business.

“Like” or “Recommend” buttons are important because they highlight people's virtual trust with your brand.

Now, when someone comes to www.retaildoc.com and “likes” a speech, blog, video, or product, it shows up on all of their social media, showing they trust my content.

THAT’S HUGE! (and why you’ve probably noticed the “Like” or “Recommend” buttons across the internet at other sites as well.)

WHAT TO DO:

It’s simple: add these share buttons across your website pages – now. You may have to ask your webmaster, or if you're comfortable doing it yourself, add the plug-in to your blog or visit this blog for the ultimate cheat sheet. 

People trust other people’s reviews of your brand or product on hundreds of sites. People they don’t even know!

Imagine the potential of people who virtually trust you to be valuable.

If you don't have a YouTube channel yet, now is the time when it's so popular and reaches so many potential customers. 

 WHAT TO DO:

• Planning your channel concept involves strategizing and defining the goals for your YouTube channel and researching target audiences and existing channels.
• Setting goals, choosing a niche, and identifying your target audience: It's important to define clear goals, choose a niche that aligns with your interests, and identify your target audience to create content that resonates with them.
• Defining content type, style, and format involves deciding on the type of content you want to create, the style you want to use, and the format that best suits your niche and target audience.
• Researching existing channels and crafting a unique brand: To stand out, you need to research existing channels and find ways to differentiate yourself by crafting a unique brand that reflects your personality and values.
• Setting up your YouTube channel, including account creation and customization: You'll need to create a YouTube account, verify it for access to special features, and customize your channel with branding elements such as a trailer, banner, and description. Check out these step-by-step instructions for setting up your YouTube channel.
• Monetizing your YouTube channel through the partner program or other ways: Once you've established a following, you can monetize your channel through the YouTube Partner Program or other ways such as sponsorships, merchandise, or fan funding.

Listen to this podcast episode with YouTube Ninja Nate Woodbury for more YouTube insights.

And while we’re talking about social media and web marketing strategies, here’s...

ANOTHER QUICK TIP FOR SOCIAL MEDIA:

1. Gather all your old comment cards, letters, you name it.
2. Contact the people who wrote them and request permission to use.
3. Post on your Facebook fan page, home page, blog, Google Local, Tweet about it, etc.

Why do you want to do this?

Those comments can show up as reviews of your product. The more recommendations, the more virtual trust people will have with your brand.

And if you are a professional, ask clients regularly for recommendations on LinkedIn to keep your account current.

You can do so at the top of this page if you haven't yet started following me.

How have you nurtured your virtual trust?