November 18, 2013 By Rebekah Radice 17 Comments

How to Convert Social Media Leads into Paying Customers

Shares 419

Have you have invested time and energy into social media, but still find that your lead generation results are less than stellar?

Whether you are marketing your latest blog post or building buzz around a new product, knowing how to improve your lead capture and conversion rate is a critical part of running a business in today’s online world.

Especially given the fact that social media has a 100% higher lead-to-close rate than outbound marketing. (source: HubSpot’s State of Inbound Marketing)

That’s a number hard to ignore.

If you want to boost your lead conversion rate through the power of social media, grab the six easy-to-implement tips below!

6 Ways to Convert Social Media Leads

1. Differentiate Your Personal Brand

Want to stand out in a sea of social media noise? Determine what differentiates your personal brand, sets it apart from the competition and makes it unique. Then clearly articulate each defining trait.

For example, you have a client intake form that digs deep into the needs, personality and communication style of your customers. Consumers eager to connect on a deeper level will resonate with your relationship vs. transactional-based thinking.

Use your social networks to express this fact by incorporating it into your conversations, posts and marketing materials. Culture and values should not be overlooked when considering what content to share on social media.

It is those traits specific to your culture that draws potential leads towards you as opposed to your competition.

2. Answer the “What’s In It For Me?” Question

Consumers are moving at lightening speed as they research, interact and make purchase decisions online.

In order to capture their attention, you need to answer the WIIFM question immediately.

Make sure your posts, tweets and daily interactions are straightforward with a clear call to action. Don’t leave a potential client guessing what you or your product is all about. The benefit should be spelled out and demonstrated in an easy to digest format.

3. Get Creative

Is your social media content limp, lifeless and devoid of any unique qualities that scream YOU?

Creativity can be one of the best selling points and when effectively used can contribute to increased leads and conversion. Why would this be?

People want to do business with people they know, like and trust. Creativity draws from your personality and those traits we discussed above. It defines you, sets you apart and allows people to connect with the juicy goodness that makes you undeniably you!

4. Respond In a Timely Manner

Want to lose a lead? Be slow to respond.

If someone has taken the time to reach out to you via social media, you need to take the time to respond in an appropriate time frame.

Put systems in place that allow you to easily respond and follow up after their initial contact. Systems create consistency and consistency builds trust and keeps you top-of-mind.

5. Educate your Prospects

Social media offers business owners and entrepreneurs the ability to keep their message alive.

It is is an excellent way to share your knowledge in an intriguing and conversational manner.

Is there a question that you find many of your customers asking over and over again? Turn it into a quick post, new blog article or short video tutorial.

6. Follow-Up

Did a potential client respond to a tweet with a question? Did you answer that question with a link to your website? Do not let that lead drop off your radar.

You never want to leave a potential client decision to chance. Encourage your lead to move forward with further details. Whether it’s a follow-up tweet, a phone call, email or face-to-face meeting, make sure you circle back around.

Follow-up is a customer service no-brainer, but an often missed opportunity when it comes to lead conversion.