Small Business Tip Tuesday: Just Speak Up and Ask!

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You don’t have to look very far to see signs of Social Media in your everyday life. Businesses are learning that in order to build their following on social platforms like Facebook and Twitter, they have to let their customers know that they are on those networks. I see print ads, television commercials, and signs just about anywhere letting me know that local businesses want me to “like” them on Facebook or follow them on Twitter.

There was a time when this was scarce, but now the clutter has arrived. I can’t keep track of them all. And beyond the clutter, there’s an even greater problem: As a society we are decidedly A.D.D. I might see your sign asking me to “like” you on Facebook, but by the time I leave your business, if not before, I’ve forgotten. I’m incredibly busy and easily distracted. After I leave your store I might have other errands to run. I might listen to some music in my car. I might bump into a friend and engage them in conversation.

The fact is, by the time I get back home and on my laptop, I’ve forgotten that I wanted to like your Facebook business page.

This is why it is becoming increasingly important to get our customers to take action while we are right in their faces. Get them while they are a captive audience.

What does this look like?

Remember that an increasing number of people now have smart phones. They have the ability to go online at anytime and visit your Facebook or Twitter pages. So now it’s your turn; all you have to do is ask!

That’s right, find ways to get your customers “in the moment” and ask them to take action. Ask them flat out to like your Facebook page or follow you on Twitter.

When they are at the checkout counter and you’re ringing up their order, ask them!

Have a counter-top sign complete with a QR Code and point it out to your customers while they are right in front of you.

Print that same QR Code on their receipt and point it out to them. Ask them to take action right away.

My friend Dave Warren of Dave’s Ace Hardware even created a QR Code pin that his employees wear, giving customers the chance to scan it and “like” his Facebook page while they are still in his store.

And you can even take this a step further. Many of you make follow up phone calls to your customers. If they tell you they are happy with your service or product, thank them, and then ask them to do you a favor. Ask them to post their comment on your Facebook page or even your Yelp account. If they are truly happy with what you have done for them, they will probably be willing to give you a good review online. But most of us don’t think about doing that unless we’ve been asked.

Do you want people to become a part of your online community? Just speak up and ask!

Do you want them to give you positive reviews online? Just speak up and ask!

There’s no shame in engaging your customers in this way. Even when you have a prospective customer on the line, let them know that they can stay up to date with your business via Facebook or Twitter.

Sometimes all you have to do is speak up and ask!

In fact, I might as well ask you right now: Would you mind liking my Facebook page and following me on Twitter? I’d greatly appreciate it!

Are you asking your customers to engage with you online? They won’t like or follow you unless you let them know you’re there. What are some of the creative ways you’re using to ask your customers to connect with you online?

Tagged as: Ace Hardware, facebook, Facebook features, QR Code, small business, Social Media, Twitter, Yelp