Brands tap into Gen-Z’s world by leveraging social media. But it’s the social selling tools that transform this digital engagement into real-world revenue.
In this digital epoch, social media reigns supreme. But with countless platforms competing for attention, how do you stand out and be where your audience is?
While everyone out there stresses that being where your audience is all about choosing the right platforms, it is only the first step. To stand out, you need to understand their needs, speak their language, and build genuine connections. And what better way to do this than through social media?
Social media is the dominant platform for all things marketing. A report by Demandsage suggests a typical social media user interacts with 6.6 social media platforms. Clearly, having a strong brand presence is the key to reaching out to your prospects at the right time for better conversions.
The businesses still not leveraging social selling are losing out big time as your competitors are aggregating profits and this HubSpot research is the proof of it:
In one year, 59% of companies reported higher sales through social selling.
Cutting through the noise and catching your prospect at their most receptive hours, the ability to select the right channel, and the dexterity to present your brand in a way that resonates the most with your target audience are a few essentials for social selling. But what can really make a difference is choosing the right tools and software.
Social selling tools are like digital assistants for social media teams, helping them navigate the dynamic social landscape and convert online connections into real-world results. By offering features like social listening, lead generation, content curation, and analytics, these tools help teams find and engage with prospects, establish trust, and get higher conversions.
Top 5 Social Selling Tools
1. Instagram & Facebook Shop:
Meeting your sales goals would be easier if your storefront lived within the vibrant communities of Instagram and Facebook, reaching billions of potential customers. That’s the magic of Instagram & Facebook Shop – a built-in e-commerce solution that lets you showcase your products, engage with customers, and convert viewers to buyers. Manage your shop, track orders, and even host live streams to create dynamic experiences that drive sales.
USP: Ideal for brands with strong visual identities and products that resonate with younger demographics.
Pricing: Free to set up and sell products, but transaction fees apply (5% for standard sellers, 4.79% + $0.49 for high-volume sellers).
2. TikTok Shop:
Marketers started leveraging TikTok and have never looked back since. Running on the power of FOMO, and trendy hashtags (aka #TikTokmademebuyit), TikTok revolutionized social selling. Fuelled by short-form videos, the platform allows creators and businesses to seamlessly integrate product sales into their engaging content. TikTok Shop offers a unique opportunity to tap into the Gen Z and Millennial demographics and leverage the power of influencer marketing for explosive growth.
USP: Short-form video content is highly engaging and viral, perfect for brands targeting Gen Z and Millennial audiences. Offers unique opportunities for influencer marketing and organic product discovery.
Pricing: Free to set up and sell products, but transaction fees apply (5% for standard sellers, 1% for high-volume sellers).
3. Hootsuite Inbox:
Hootsuite Inbox lets you simplify your social media inbox bringing together messages from Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube in one easy-to-use interface. Respond to messages effortlessly, assign conversations to team members, and track your social media engagement in real time. Hootsuite Inbox streamlines communication and ensures you never miss a beat, fostering strong customer relationships and amplifying your brand’s reach.
USP: Streamlines management of multiple social media accounts and conversations, saving time and ensuring timely responses to customer inquiries and messages.
Pricing: Starts at $49 per month for the Professional plan, offering higher tiers with additional features like social listening and advanced analytics.
4. LinkedIn Sales Navigator:
With LinkedIn Sales Navigator you can target high-value prospects, gain valuable insights into their activity, and send personalized InMail messages to build trust and connection. Maximize your sales potential, gain insights into untapped opportunities, and accelerate your deals with the advanced features of LinkedIn Sales Navigator.
USP: Improve sales outreach by finding leads, personalizing communication, and building relationships with prospects.
Pricing: Starts at $79.99 per month for the Professional plan, with higher tiers offering features like TeamLink and advanced reporting.
5. CrystalKnows:
What if you could understand your customers and colleagues on a deeper level?
CrystalKnows is a personality prediction tool that analyzes communication styles and generates actionable insights to improve your interactions and relationships. With CrystalKnows, you can enhance your communication skills and forge powerful connections in your personal and professional life.
USP: Helps users understand their strengths and weaknesses in communication, tailor their interactions to different personalities, and build stronger relationships.
Pricing: Custom pricing based on usage needs. Offers free individual assessments and tiered plans for teams and businesses.
The Bottom Line
As the social selling landscape continues to evolve, choosing the right tools becomes increasingly crucial. With an array of options available, each offering unique features and benefits, the decision can be a bit overwhelming. With these tools, you can streamline your decision-making by focusing your search on features that meet your specific goals, target audience, and workflow.
Ultimately, the best tool for your business depends on your specific needs, budget, and target audience. By understanding your audience, tailoring your content, and leveraging social media platforms, you can achieve remarkable results and convert online connections into tangible triumphs.
Success in the digital age lies in adopting innovation and utilizing the power of technology to your advantage.