Social Media Marketing Tips for Florists

Marketing can make or break a business.  This proves to be especially true for small businesses like florists.  It is very important to keep traditional marketing as a part of a business plan, it is almost equally important to consider marketing through social media tools.  A business may have to use some forward-thinking in order to effectively utilize social media as a marketing tool, but it will definitely pay off.  While you may be a small business owner and do not have all kinds of time to sit on a social media website for hours marketing, you can still use these tips to successfully attract customers to your florist through social media.

• Stay current and open with customers.  If there is anything that will make your shop look bad on social media sites, it is having outdated information.  If you have not posted any new content for over two months, customers will be out of the loop and feel like you are not doing much of anything.  Let your customers know what is going on at the florist.  If you are having events or participating in events, tell them.  You never know they may just come out and support you.  The more you stay current and keep readers posted on things, the more they will feel like there is an actual relationship.  Always be sure to keep the lines of communication open as well.
• Communicate and interact with customers.  This tip goes along with keeping current information and being open with customers.  You will be surprised how fast a community will die when the conversation is one-sided or lacking.  Do not let this happen.  Reply to posts.  It is as simple as that.  The more often you check in to your profile or blog and communicate, then the more engaged you will keep your customers.
• Be yourself and no one else.  So often people will create another personality just to perk up the business’ reputation by posting wonderful things about the shop.  If the sweet comments are not legit, then eventually someone on the outside will figure it out.  You could end up in serious trouble, and lose your customers.  Why risk it?
• Let your customers feel special.  When a customer follows you on a social media site, they are saying, “I really like this business, and I will go to them for all my floral needs.”  How great is that?  Reward that loyalty through social media, and take notice that your customers are the reason you are in business.  Run special promotions and campaigns on your social media site.  Your customers will feel valued and appreciated that you give them special rewards for supporting your social media efforts.
• Give your customers exclusive previews.  If you have photos from an event, show your online customers first.  If you have new items or news, let them be in the know as soon as possible.  This is just another way to make your customers feel special, and it will keep them engaged and coming back for more.
• Allow for customer involvement.  Let your customers contribute to your efforts.  They can record video testimonials for you or write testimonials for your social media.  Encouraging customer involvement is just going to help get more business for you.  If customers care enough to help you out, then that means new customers will appreciate all you do.