Affiliates and program managers need to always be aware of the different sales techniques and strategies they can use to find new customers and drive engagement with their program. One strategy that we can expect to grow substantially in 2021 is that of social selling. Let’s take a closer look at what this entails of, and why we think it is a must for every affiliate manager to master.
What is social selling?
Social selling is the use of social media to establish rapport and focus in on prospects. It is not the same as social media marketing or advertising, but can be used in conjunction with both for a strong social media presence that you can use to pull in prospective customers.
With so many people now on social media in some capacity, it has become the go-to way for many to develop some form of meaning connection with a potential customer. Ultimately, should a customer be ready to buy a service or product, you should be the first they think of. It is all about creating those key relationships with your contacts and nurturing them so you can offer a solution when they need it. You might already do this in some capacity with your social media – you now just have a name for it.
A changing landscape
Part of the reason behind the growth in social selling has been the concurrent boom in social media usage. It is thought that some 3.6 billion people used social media in some capacity in 2020, and this is predicted to grow even further by 2025.
The wealth of social media allows you to reach out to a wide variety of people. No matter whether you are focusing on Facebook, Linked-In, or some other popular platform, you will find plenty of opportunities in the changing digital landscape to add social selling to your strategies.
A strategy that works
There are so many sales strategies out there that you have probably tried some already to mixed results. However, social selling is one that works well – with those at the top of the social selling game able to generate 45% more opportunities than those not using it. What’s more, 78% of social sellers can outsell those who are not using social media for similar projects. It is clear that this is a path that can pay dividends to those willing to pursue it.
Find, relate, engage
Social selling is the perfect accompaniment to developing a good customer culture. Trends in 2020 and previous years have proven that modern customers want to feel part of the brand and connect with it on a deeper level.
Affiliates need to build relationships with their customers initially, and then commit to nurturing it and checking in with them. Using social media and some of the selling techniques that have arisen through it is always going to be a good path to take. The digital marketplace is ever-changing, and smart affiliates will be able to adapt with it so they can continue to make these vital connections.
Start using social selling today
Many affiliates will already have the capacity for this strategy, and might even be engaging in it in some way. As we live more and more of our lives online, the potential of social selling is only going to continue to grow. Establish a social selling strategy for 2021 to help boost your affiliate program now.
