You've identified who you want to work with, those dream clients. You develop questions to ask them to figure out how to serve them through web content, social media content, messaging keywords, things that go on your website, and so much more. It's time to take that terrifying next step of asking those questions. So today I'm going to talk about how to start conversations with your dream clients and get answers on social media if you're shy about asking. I'm Shannon with Shannon Lee Strategy. I'm a digital marketing consultant and coach who teaches you how to grow your business using simple digital marketing strategies that help you get results and save time and become less overwhelmed. And I've been doing this for over 20 years in the online marketing space, and I'd love to help you make an impact in your business.
I've talked and coached to many of you that are afraid to ask, a/k/a bother, your dream clients for feedback. This is an important step that you do not want to miss in the quest to getting to know your customer. Market research is key for any product or service launch. Any product or service lunch, all right? You should always do this anytime because I've seen big businesses skip this when launching new products and literally fall flat on their face. So there's a couple ways to get the ball rolling in talking to those who you want to serve if you're shy about asking. So here's three ways of asking your dream customers, especially if you're shy.
If you are shy, social media is your bestie. Craft a post on your personal Facebook page with key demographic points. For example, I would put, "Are you an aspiring mom, work-from-home mom, over 35 years old, looking to carve out a little extra time to do your marketing in the day? Let's talk." Or something along this line, "So if this isn't you, do you know somebody? Tag them below." So the reason why I have you do this on your personal Facebook page is you want your friends and family to know exactly what you're doing, and they're usually going to be the first step in building your business. So this is a great place to start. You could also do this on LinkedIn and your Instagram feed as well. So first step is making a post on your personal Facebook, your Instagram, or your LinkedIn, whichever one you play with the most or like the most. Or where your ideal client is the most should be really where you are.
Another way to do this is take that same post, but post it in Facebook and LinkedIn groups where your dream client hangs out. And make sure you're not violating any Facebook rules before posting, make sure you know the posting rules. But this is a great place because these are micro areas where your dream clients are probably hanging out, that people will want to help you. The other thing to do, and I had a coaching client do this recently of mine, is to ask in the Instagram Stories, to ask these questions and get feedback in Instagram Stories. This particular client used the questions and Yes and No stickers. They started with kind of a fun question, and then they went into the nitty gritty.
And a bonus tip on this is those who answer in the backend of your Instagram Stories, follow up and see if they want to take the full survey. Make sure you take note because you're going to lose who that is after 24 hours, but make sure you take note who that is. Send them a direct message and say, "Hey, I'd love some more feedback. Thanks for answering. I'd love some more feedback." And a bonus to this, not required but highly suggested you guys, is to give your dream client an incentive to answer. For example, I have offered to give 15 minutes of my time when somebody has answered the survey. So it gives me time to sit down with them and ask the questions about the products and services that I offer. So this is a great incentive because they're giving to you and you're giving back to them. So something to consider, not required.
Your next step is to go make those posts, those stories, those videos, whatever you feel comfortable with. And next week, we're going to talk about asking those questions in person.
Yes, I'm going to make you also ask in person too.
Shannon Hinderberger is a social media coach who lives in Bend, Oregon. She works with small business owners on how to grow their business using simple digital marketing strategies so they’re less overwhelmed, get results & save time.
She has over 20 years in the online marketing space and loves helping business owners make an impact in their business.