Social Media Is The Key To Retail Success

Social media is arguably the most influential medium for shoppers today. According to recent studies, centennials (also referred to as generation z) are utilizing social platforms, like Facebook and Instagram, to research products that they’re interested in.

So, what does this mean for retailers? It means that Generation z is typically more informed when they walk into a brick-and-mortar location: by the time they’ve walked through the door, they know about prices, competition, and specs. Once they’ve done their research, they’re either ready to complete their purchase online or in-store.

Optimize Product Content Before Posting On Social Media

Since younger shoppers are generally more informed, retailers should provide as much detail about their products as possible. Remember that social media is often used for research. If you do get people to click-through to your website from these platforms, it’s important that the content is optimized for conversion.

Follow this checklist when crafting online descriptions and promotional content for your products:

• Write Robust Descriptions – Since online shoppers typically skim through the “fluff” to get the meat of what they want to know, it’s best to present benefits, features, and specs up-front. If you’re proud of the products you produce, then their features should sell themselves.
• Offer Clear, Relevant Images – If you want to sell something, then show something. Younger generations are especially influenced by pictures, so make sure that your product copy is supported by clear, relevant photos.
• Formatting Is Everything – It won’t matter if your copy was written by a conversion guru; nor will it matter if your images were produced by a professional photographer–if your online content isn’t easy for shoppers to skim and digest, they’ll click right over to the competition instead.
  • Spacing – When constructing the format of your social content, it’s important to use proper spacing. Ever heard of TL, DR? That stands for too long, didn’t read. Now, what’s easier to read: a big block of “enticing” copy? Or average copy with paragraphs that are properly spaced out?
  • Bullets – Bullet points make it easy for readers to skim. When employing bullets, remember to offer facts over fluff.

3 Ways For Retailers To Capitalize On The Social Media Phenomenon

Once your product pages are prepped for success, follow these 3 tips when posting to social media sites:

1. Increase Engagement By Hosting a Contest – If you run a clothing store, then ask people to post pictures of themselves in their favorite branded outfits. The winner, of course, should get a prize. Get the idea? Make sure to really sweeten the pot: offer gift cards, discounts, coupons, and free gear.
2. Invent Branded Hashtags – Just released a new product? Brand it. Declaring the winner of a hosted contest? Brand it. Produced an awesome new blog series? Brand it. It’s going to require some trial and error, but once people grab on to something of yours that they like, make sure to put your branded stamp on it with a clever hashtag.
3. Post a Variety of Content – Don’t just post sales ads, those get old fast. Images, videos, infographics, and audio recordings can bring new life to stale campaigns. If your visual updates aren’t getting any clicks, likes, or positive comments, then try a video or a branded song.

Need Inventory? Check Out Best Handbag Wholesale

At Best Handbag Wholesale, we sell the best handbags and accessories around. We understand that the retail game is a tough; that’s why we offer top quality items at low, wholesale pricing so there’s still room for profit. Check us out on Facebook and Twitter. Happy posting!