Let’s talk relationships!  Growing your social media following should be like building a relationship that you want to see last long term. There are five steps to a successful relationship:

Five steps of a relationships.  1. Meeting phase 2.Nurturing phase 3. Adding value 4. Being consistent 5. Not ghosting. 

So, let’s talk a little about each of these steps. 

1. THE MEETING PHASE. When it comes to that first meeting it is important to have what I call “the wow factor”. Think about what makes you unique and special. Is there something about you that is extraordinary? If so… use it! Talk about it. Wow factors start conversations and conversations lead to getting hired! Next, create a bond. Make sure your followers feel confident that you know your Sh!t! Use question stickers and polls to identify with your audience so they feel involved. Maybe ask what brand of shampoo they use for their horse? This will make your followers feel involved and valued. Knowing your niche and making sure to post things that they relate with – For example, if you are an equestrian photographer post equestrian lifestyle things to your stories. Lastly, work on creating trust with your followers by showing up consistently for them and responding to messages, comments, and stories. 
2. NURTURING YOUR AUDIENCE. Nurture your audience by showing up consistently! You can do this by adding stories that include your face. People need to know what you look like in order to bond with the idea of you. A great way to nurture your audience is show up in your stories throughout the day. For example, post a story at 8 am, 12 am, and 6 pm. This way your followers will be seeing your face consistently and be reminded of you. Another way to nurture your audience is to know your audience. Sit down and create a client avatar. Know what this person does for fun, for work, eats, buys, and looks at online. Appeal to that avatar in every way possible. 

3.     ADD VALUE. Add value by posting tips and tricks that apply to your niche and potential client. For example, create a post on what to wear or what to expect during a session with you. You could also solve your clients’ problems by posting a helpful guide on favorite locations. Remember, you should be giving 80% value and 20% pitching/selling. If you reverse that ratio, you will start driving people away. 

4.     GHOSTING. Think about the times you have been ghosted by a potential new boyfriend/girlfriend…. It sucks right?!? Let’s avoid doing that to our followers by staying consistent. By responding to DMs, and comments your followers will feel involved and appreciated. You can also comment on your followers’ posts and send messages. The more interaction the better! It is always a good idea to randomly pop up in our followers lives and leave a little happiness. 

Friends, I hope this was helpful! Click the link below to download my outline for using the relationship factor and growing your following on social media. 

https://view.flodesk.com/pages/6230ba8778ab99224ea6eac2 

The Guide To Successful Second Shooting

 https://view.flodesk.com/pages/61ff775a60ada4164ea70eac